Sydney arrived early at church to help her mum with the finishing touches for the special program. She knew it would be a brilliant success, and she liked that the church had acknowledged it.
She looked over at the grand piano that held the very large bouquet of flowers that had been presented to her and her parents for all their work in the church.
She had gracefully accepted them and then suggested they leave them at the church for all to enjoy with them.
Everyone had loved her thoughtfulness and generosity.
“Good morning, Sydney,” Pastor Andrews greeted happily.
“Hi, Pastor Andrews,” she smiled.
“I’m glad you’re here early, Sydney,” Pastor Andrews began. “Ms. Jenny called me and said she’s bringing some young people from her neighbourhood to our program today, and I know I can count on you to make them feel welcome.”
“Of course, I’ll take them to the youth class and introduce them to everyone,” Sydney smiled tightly and nodded.
Ms. Jenny was an older woman, a bit of a do-gooder who lived in the second-worst neighbourhood around. In fact, she was always bringing odd people to church whenever she had the chance.
For their Easter program, she had brought a messy, un-showered man who’d fallen asleep the entire time!
He had only come for the free lunch.
Taking a seat, Sydney wondered who Ms. Jenny would be bringing.
A loud commotion interrupted her thoughts, and she turned to see what was happening.
There, in the doorway, stood Pastor Andrews, his wife, and a beaming Ms. Jenny with six youths.
Oh, my—what were those girls wearing? Hadn’t Ms. Jenny told them they were coming to a church? And those guys with them practically had “delinquent” written all over them.
Sydney groaned, then sighed before pasting on a smile as Pastor Andrews and Ms. Jenny headed her way.
She was, after all, a good Christian girl, and she would make sure she performed her role to perfection.
Sydney grinned to herself as some of the youth sat with the visitors and chatted to them during the youth class. She’d done her job perfectly; now everyone was impressed by her hospitality and kindness.
Checking her watch, she saw it was time to serve the refreshments and got up to bring them in.
At the kitchen, she double-checked that the fruit, crackers and cheese platters were ready and placed the dip in the centre.
She’d have to make two trips, but it didn’t matter. She liked being the one everyone knew helped and did everything.
Turning, she almost dropped the platter when she saw that one of the visitors had followed her to the kitchen and was standing in the doorway watching her.
Sydney wondered if he wanted to steal her watch; it was a valuable piece.
Mustering up her most practised kind smile, she put her hand to her chest and spoke, “Oh , you scared me! How can I help you?”
She kept her smile in place, waiting for him to answer.
For a second she didn’t think he would, and felt her lips begin to shake. How long was she supposed to keep smiling?
But when he finally spoke, she felt the blood drain from her face and her smile disappear completely.
“You don’t need to pretend you know,” he began, his eyes boring right into her. “There’s no one around. I know you don’t like us being here. The only reason I came was that Ms. Jenny showed me a Jesus who forgives and accepts me. She’s genuine, and I came to meet her God. I knew they’d be people who would look down at us; they always do, in and out of church, but I don’t care.
You, however? You’re good, smiling and welcoming, preparing food being the perfect Christian. You play your part very, very well, but you’re lying through your teeth to everyone, especially to yourself.
Do you think I need help? Look in the mirror, you’re doing more harm than good”
Then he turned and walked away.
Sydney felt herself tremble. Her body felt icy and cold. She placed the platter down before she dropped it.
It would have been better if he had stolen her watch, because that she could replace it . But the words he’d spoken had killed something inside her, and she didn’t know if she would ever be the same again.
PICTURE CREDIT – Canva
