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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Beautiful (11/07/05)
The girls were primping. I leaned back against the wall and stifled a laugh as Marie played tug-of-war with the curlers in her hair. I raised an amused eyebrow at Jillian, who was frantically searching for her hair spray. I cringed when Candace's nose collided with the mirror as she leaned in to apply bright crimson lipstick with a shaky hand. But Candace just giggled and rubbed her nose.

The girls were nervous, which was to be expected. After all, they were preparing for an important event: The annual Wayside Beautiful Womanhood Pageant.

Candace caught my eye in the mirror. "Does my lipstick look okay?" she asked.

"It looks perfect, Candace," I assured her.

"What about me?" Marie spoke up. "Did that last curler completely frizz my hair?"

I laughed. "No, Marie. You look beautiful."

"I still can't find my hair spray," Jillian said.

"Here - take mine," Candace offered, handing over her bottle.

Jillian put a hand over her chest. "Oh, you're an angel! What would I do without you?"

I looked at my watch. "OK, ladies, time to go! Show starts in ten minutes!"

There was a moment of panic and one last glance in the mirror before the girls started shuffling out the door.

Marie paused long enough to shake a finger at me. "Don't you even think about rushing back in here to clean up. Wait for me - I'll help you."

"Of course," I nodded.

I said a quick silent prayer. Thank you for each one of those ladies, Lord. And thanks for this day when we can celebrate their beauty.

***********

I looked out over the audience and estimated fifty to seventy-five, which was up several from the year before. The pageant is getting more popular, I mused. I glanced to my left and saw the girls fidgeting anxiously behind the curtain.

"Good evening," I started. "As you know, we're here to celebrate the beauty of three marvelous women. But unlike most beauty pageants, we aren't focusing on outer beauty - although each one of these ladies is absolutely gorgeous!" I added.

"Amen!" someone shouted from the back, warranting a murmur of laughter.

I grinned. "The beauty we're celebrating today is the kind that radiates from the inside, out. The kind each of us should strive for in our own lives. There are no losers here, only winners!

"Our first contestant is Candace Andrews." Applause erupted as Candace appeared from behind the curtain, pushing her walker. When she reached me, I draped a yellow banner around her neck. "Candace receives the, 'Miss Give-The-Shirt-Off-Your Back' award. Her giving spirit has blessed so many of us here at Wayside Manor. But I have to say, if she keeps on with this giving, the only thing left in her room will be her bed."

Candace giggled. "I've heard sleeping on the floor can be quite comfortable."

When the laughter died down, I went on. "Our second contestant is Marie Manning." Marie slowly shuffled to my side. "Marie receives the 'Miss How May I Serve You?,' award. She looks for things to be done and steps in to help, not because she wants the praise, but because she has a true servant's heart."

"Everything as unto the Lord…" Marie added.

"Our final contestant is Jillian Stevens." Jillian made her way out and I placed the ribbon over her head. "Jillian receives the 'Miss Positive Perky Pants' award. I have yet to hear her utter a mean word to anyone. She is always positive, always encouraging, and always, well…perky!"

"My mother always said, 'if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all,'" Jillian smiled.

Laughter blended with thunderous applause.

"Please join us in the dining hall for refreshments as we continue to celebrate these beautiful women. Jillian will greet you at the door and tell you how wonderful you look. Candace will hand out the cookies - and possibly other items she feels compelled to give away. And if you don't see Marie, check the kitchen. She may not be able to shake your hand though, as hers will likely be immersed in soapy water."

The residents made their way out and I turned to embrace the three women. Their bodies may have been wearing out but their spirits were not. Wrinkles and weathered skin could never disguise true beauty. And that was something worth primping for.


Beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise." Proverbs 31:30b, 31 (NLT)
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This article has been read 1884 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Pat Guy
11/15/05
I loved the "Miss Positive Perky Pants!" Well - really - I loved them all because of how you wrote this. The reader can't help it! And I loved the idea - I hope someone will read this who can have some influence to start this with their own group! An absolutely lovely story told very lovingly. Loved it!
Crista Darr
11/16/05
What a pleasant surprise! Instead of the celebration of vanity, you exalt true beauty. Great way to make the Scripture come alive.
Anita Neuman
11/17/05
What a delightful story! I could picture them all and hear their sweet voices. You did a great job on this!
Laurie Glass 
11/17/05
I absolutely love this. So creative and so well written. Made me smile.
Sally Hanan
11/17/05
You gave some great visuals here with the feeble attempts at make up and walkers. A fun read.
Linda Watson Owen
11/17/05
What an endearing read! So charming and so worthy of being duplicated in real life!
Cassie Memmer
11/17/05
So cute! You did a great job in telling this story of true beauty, and yes, I too loved each one of them. Great writing!
Jeffrey Snell
11/17/05
Excellent! I could picture those wonderful ladies perfectly.
Debbie OConnor
11/17/05
Very creative and fun to read. I could picture the scene--especially the primping beforehand. Too cute!
Beth Muehlhausen
11/18/05
The development from "the girls" (first paragraph) to "the women...with worn out bodies" at the end was artfully done! I could picture these "beauties," and was grateful for their example, recognition, and praise. :-)
Garnet Miller 
11/18/05
What a wonderful twist on a beauty pageant. I liked this story very much. Is is what is inside that matters:)
Phyllis Inniss 
11/19/05
What a beautiful surprisse! At first I thought it was a parent watching his/her daughters amusingly. You have really done this like a true artist.
Debbie Sickler
11/20/05
Great job. I could picture my grandma as one of the contestants. Very creative and well written.
B Brenton
11/20/05
Beautiful. You summed it up.
A winner this week, for sure. :D
I love the way you wrote it. That sense of humour shining through. Well done!
Val Clark
11/20/05
Wondered where you were going with this... and loved where you took me. A delightful story.
terri tiffany
11/20/05
This was wonderful! You wrote in in such an upbeat inspiring way:)