Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: GENEROUS (10/14/21)
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TITLE: Second Chances | Previous Challenge Entry
By Terry R A Eissfeldt
10/20/21 -
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Squinting eyes and a furrowed brow reflected back the indecision in her mind.
She sighed.
Her ample bosom pushed the pearl buttons apart on the blue silk blouse.
She removed the blouse and replaced it with a cream cashmere sweater. For a finishing touch she tied on a colourful silk scarf .
“There,” she smiled into the mirror, “that’s better.”
She picked up a Gucci bag and clicked her Jimmy Choo’s to the waiting Mercedes.
As she was driving Elizabeth ran over the agenda for the Missions Committee meeting later that evening.
Total money available: 100,000 dollars
Designation: Assisting orphans and widows
Where: sub-Saharan Africa
She pulled up to The Second Chance Coffee Shop and parked. Entering the front door she noticed the little coffee shop appeared clean but run down.
Three years earlier the Missions Committee donated ten thousand dollars to the shop. The coffee shop provided jobs and training for people coming out of rehab or jail. Elizabeth had presented cheque that day but she’d never been back.
Why did I want to come here to collect my thoughts instead of La Rochelle, Elizabeth wondered.
Looking around at the mismatched chairs, tables and cutlery convinced Elizabeth her instinct was right. She needed to be in a less lavish atmosphere.
A young woman in her late twenties approached Elizabeth. The name tag read Mary. Her white shirt and black jeans were clean but worn.
“Are you waiting for anyone else?” she asked.
“No,” Elizabeth smiled, “just me.”
“This way,” Mary grabbed a menu and led Elizabeth to a small wicker table at the front window.
“May I start you off with a drink? Cappuccino perhaps?”
“That sounds lovely,” Elizabeth sat down and picked up the menu.
She noticed a QR code in the top right corner. Pointing her phone’s camera at it she casually loaded the document.
Opening the menu she noticed the long list of specialty coffee, tea, baked goods, sandwiches and salads. The menu had expanded over the years. Remembering the image in the mirror, Elizabeth closed the menu.
Covering the back of the menu was Jesus words from the Matthew 25:40
When you cared for one of the least of these, my little ones,
my true brothers and sisters, you demonstrated love for me.
Elizabeth smiled to herself. This was the Missions Committee’s verse. She was in the right place.
Mary delivered the cappuccino just as Elizabeth opened the document the QR code copied on her phone. It was a picture of Mary.
Mary saw her portrait smiling up to her from the phone. She grew warm and blushed.
“It’s you!,” Elizabeth exclaimed, looking from the phone to the embarrassed young woman.
“I…I’m employee of the month….my story is featured…” Mary left the coffee and hurried away.
Curiosity got the best of Elizabeth. She scrolled through the short bio.
Mary Birch graduated from Healing Hope Center in 2020.
She was widowed at 23 when her husband was killed in crossfire from a gang shooting. Mary became addicted to prescription antidepressants as she tried to cope with grief and the demands of a new born baby. Someone reported her to Family Services who removed the child.
Mary is an exemplary employee and student. She is currently studying to become a nurse and saving money for legals fees as she works to regain full custody of her son.
Elizabeth was shocked. She didn’t really know what she expected Mary’s story to be but this wasn’t it. Her thoughts were interrupted as a table close by ordered.
“I’ll have the Jerusalem artichoke dip please,” a young man said smiling at Mary with familiarity.
“Thanks, Joe,” Mary smiled back then turned away.
Suddenly more of Jesus words came to Elizabeth’s mind:
You will be my messengers to Jerusalem, throughout Judea, the distant provinces—even to the remotest places on earth!
Elizabeth did a mental check list of the missions the church regularly supported. Not one of them was in their city.
One hundred thousand dollars would go a long way at The Second Chance Coffee Shop, Elizabeth thought. I wonder what the other employees stories are?
Elizabeth slipped a crisp one hundred dollar bill out from her purse and stuck it under the empty cup.
She walked out with purpose and passion in every step. She knew exactly what was on tonight’s Missions Committee agenda .
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This is a great story. Great description of Elizabeth. You painted a clear picture of her with her clothes, car, and $100.00 tip.
Elizabeth looks in her backyard and notices the people there can use the assistance to improve themselves. Those that receive the help can pass it on and the people better themselves and the area.
I believe leaving the big tip came from her heart. She realizes it begins with her.