Storytime: Saintliness isn't boring

[Wynona]

American media portrays being good as boring and heaven as hopelessly boring.

I made up a day in the life of a college student with mature Christian faith to prove the opposite. She is based on me but with the maturity and self-control I wish I had had back when I was a student.

.........


Morning

Sarah stopped her alarm before it could beep too long. Her and her dormmate were on the outs and she'd regret giving such an angry girl another reason to spite her.

They had been friends until Sarah realized her position in the friend group relied on her being a cowardly yes-girl to her roommate, who led the group.

Loneliness set in, threatening to take her down a self pity party, but mornings are her strongest times. Opening her Bible, she opens it to Phillipians to renew her mind before heading to cafeteria breakfast.

She moves down the hallway and recieves a dirty look from the girl who made fun of her clothes last week at the cafe. That really stung. However, keeping Jesus' command in mind, she waves a greeting anyway and quickly reaches the cafe.

Fortunately, a member of the campus ministry student group just sat down. Having gotten involved, it's good to see a familiar face. The crowd is full of life and those abusing it. Greek Sorors flashing their colors flaunt their status with symboled jackets and short shorts. Band nerds worn out from practice heap eggs on their plates.

One of them looked at Sarah with a grin. Sarah had yet to respond to his online message. He was the smart sort and admittedly handsome. But something told her he joined the student ministry to appease his parents, not worship.

She picked at half eaten apple sauce and made a mental note to decline going to the basketball game with him. Even if his friends were going too, itd be unwise to give him the wrong idea. She needed someone serious about God, and as lonely as she was, she feared Him and knew He wouldn't lead her to an unGodly relationship.

She thought of her friends she used to sit with. How nice it wouldve been to say, "being single is overrated!" and have her girls commiserate and joke. Who thought college could be so lonely?

The first class of the day was Sociology. Great. Apparently minorities could not be racist. Sarah raised her hand to question this only to be met with groans of annoyance that she even took the class seriously enough to pay attention.

So it went similarly with her other classes till lunch time. This time she opted for a spot outside. The girl who made fun of her clothes last week begins to walk up. Sarah tenses. Being called a Bible thumping prude for dressing modest still stung.

To her utter surprise the girl apologizes, saying she was dealing with family drama and was stressed. Sarah, feeling God's hand, accepts and offers prayer and sympathy for the family drama. They fall into a conversation that turns to belief. The girl is agnostic. Had a bad experience with church and never looked back. But when Sarah begins sharing her own beliefs, the girl cuts her off.

"I don't want to be converted, thanks."

Then the girl left.

The sting in Sarah's heart returned. She was just trying to make conversation. Not convert the girl on the spot. Why did no one understand? This faith was her life. It wasn't a tool to coerce anyone.

Once again, spiritual attacks of loneliness assaulted her. She almost gave in, but remember the Lord's Words. The Holy Spirit, strong from her sowing to it through Scripture, whispered,

If the world hates you...know that it hated Me first.

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad when you are reviled for my Name.

So she did. The loneliness hurt. But it reminded her that this campus, this culture, the girls who despised her...it wasn't home and she didn't belong so there was no point in trying.

Sarah got through the next round of classes by focusing on the work, getting some assignments done before class let out. She knew she was seen as a "try-hard" but fitting in was not her goal. Besides, the student ministry was meeting today.

They began in prayer and sang an encouraging song about God being in control. Sarah, taking comfort, found herself encouraged. It eased her loneliness and gave her hope that God was bringing her through this time and using the pain in her life for good.

The band nerd found her after the meeting. He flashed another winning smile. Sarah turned down his date offer but what if they could be friends?

Friendship, huh? It was tempting to have such an attentive handsome friend but Sarah also knew Christians are supposed to flee temptation, not fight it.

She declined again.

Finally in bed, Sarah tried to remember any sin to confess. Confused, she couldnt think of any. It was mostly writing down notes, and following God's warnings and taking in comfort through the Words she had dedicated her life to.

The warfare was intense. The roommate hated her guts and she missed her family. But Christ was stronger and His shelter was what she would rest in, no matter what the cost.

 

[JohnDB]

American media portray being good as boring and heaven as hopelessly boring.

I made up a day in the life of a college student with mature Christian faith to prove the opposite. She is based on me but with the maturity and self-control I wish I had had back when I was a student.

.........


Morning

Sarah stopped her alarm before it could beep too long. Her and her dormmate were on the outs and she'd regret giving such an angry girl another reason to spite her.

They had been friends until Sarah realized her position in the friend group relied on her being a cowardly yes-girl to her roommate, who led the group.

Loneliness set in, threatening to take her down a self pity party, but mornings are her strongest times. Opening her Bible, she opens her Bible to Phillipians to renew her mind before heading to cafeteria breakfast.

She moves down the hallway and recieves a dirty look from the girl who made fun of her clothes last week at the cafe. That really stung but keeping Jesus' command in mind l, she waves a greeting anyway and quickly reaches the cafe.

Fortunately, a member of the campus ministry student group just sat down. Having gotten involved, it's good to see a familiar face. The crowd is full of life and those abusing it. Greek Sorors flashing colors flaunt in jackets with symbols and short shorts. Band nerds worn out from practice heap eggs on their plates.

One of them looked at Sarah with a grin. Sarah had yet to respond to his online message. He was a smart kind of guy and admittedly handsome. But something told her he joined the student ministry to appease his parents, not worship.

She picked at half eaten apple sauce and made a mental note to decline going to the basketball game with him. Even if his friends were going too, itd be unwise to give him the wrong idea. She needed someone serious about God, and as lonely as she was, she feared Him and knew He wouldn't lead her to an unGodly relationship.

She thought of her friends she used to sit with, how nice it wouldve been to say, "being single is overrated!" and have her girls commiserate and joke. Who thought college could be so lonely?

The first class of the day was Sociology. Great. Apparently minorities could not be racist. Sarah raised her hand to question this only to be met with groans of annoyance that she even took class seriously enough to pay attention.

So it went similarly with her other classes till lunch time. This time she opted for a spot outside. The girl who made fun of her clothes last week begins to walk up. Sarah tenses. Being called a Bible thumping prude for dressing modest still stung.

To her utter surprise the girl apologizes, saying she was dealing with family drama and was stressed. Sarah, feeling God's hand, accepts and offers prayer and sympathy for the family drama. They fall into a conversation that turns to belief. The girl is agnostic. Had a bad experience with church and never looked back. But when Sarah begins sharing her own beliefs, the girl cuts her off.

"I don't want to be converted, thanks."

Then the girl left.

The sting in her heart returns. Sarah was just trying to make conversation. Not convert the girl on the spot. Why did no one understand? This was her life. It wasn't a tool to coerce anyone.

Once again, spiritual attacks of loneliness assaulted her. She almost gave in, but remember the Lord's Words. The Holy Spirit, strong from her sowing to it through Scripture, whispered,

If the world hates you...know that it hated Me first.

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad when you are reviled for my Name.

So she did. The loneliness hurt. But it reminded her that this campus, this culture, the girls who despised her...it wasn't home and she didn't belong so there was no point in trying.

Sarah got through the next round of classes by focusing on the work, getting some assignments done. She knew she was seen as a "try-hard" but fitting in was not her goal. Besides, the student ministry was meeting today.

They began in prayer and sang an encouraging song about God being in control. Sarah, taking comfort, found herself encouraged. It eased her loneliness and gave her hope that God was bringing her through this time and using the pain in her life for good.

The band nerd found her after the meeting.l and flashed another winning smile. Sarah turned down his date offer but what if they could be friends?

Friendship, huh? It was tempting to have such an attentive handsome friend but Sarah also knew Christians are supposed to flee temptation, not fight it.

She declined again.

Finally in bed, Sarah tried to remember any sin to confess. Confused, she couldnt think of any. It was mostly writing down notes, and following God's warnings and taking in comfort through the Words she had dedicated her life to.

The warfare was intense. The roommate hated her guts and she missed her family. But Christ was stronger and His shelter was what she would rest in, no matter what the cost.

Great writing! Some of the best I've seen in a while.
(Been in love with literature and amateur writing forever!)

And I find it really echoes the mindset of a "failing" Christian Student. You captured it perfectly.

Because, yes, life can be boring...and it's good when it is.

The Student is definitely making assumptions and judgements about her fellow students based solely on feelings of how she assumes they will treat her or have treated her.

She seems to be waiting for life to get better after she graduates. (I could be wrong in that...short piece)

What's fascinating is the lack of grace and lack of leadership that the student feels. Her fellow students need what she has....but because of her feelings of loneliness, righteousness, and fashion sense she doesn't engage. And she doesn't see the self-made trap she has made for herself.

I'm not talking about missionary dating either. The rebuffing girl when talking about what the MC found to be true? There's a million of them. Self absorbed and self focused. And these sort of people influence others into loneliness and despair....which the MC has fallen into.

Campus Christian groups are difficult because students get to play church instead of being church. But what is important is that the intent is there even if everyone is very clumsy at it.(treating it as a "meat market") Even the "nerd" is an important relationship even if it's going to remain in the friend zone. Because mistakes happen...people will act like people. Inspiring out their better nature's isn't always easy...but it's better to try than to not try.
People want friends....fastest way to make them is to ask for help with something. They don't necessarily expect something in return either.

 

[Wynona]

Great writing! Some of the best I've seen in a while.
(Been in love with literature and amateur writing forever!)

And I find it really echoes the mindset of a "failing" Christian Student. You captured it perfectly.

Because, yes, life can be boring...and it's good when it is.

The Student is definitely making assumptions and judgements about her fellow students based solely on feelings of how she assumes they will treat her or have treated her.

She seems to be waiting for life to get better after she graduates. (I could be wrong in that...short piece)

What's fascinating is the lack of grace and lack of leadership that the student feels. Her fellow students need what she has....but because of her feelings of loneliness, righteousness, and fashion sense she doesn't engage. And she doesn't see the self-made trap she has made for herself.

I'm not talking about missionary dating either. The rebuffing girl when talking about what the MC found to be true? There's a million of them. Self absorbed and self focused. And these sort of people influence others into loneliness and despair....which the MC has fallen into.

Campus Christian groups are difficult because students get to play church instead of being church. But what is important is that the intent is there even if everyone is very clumsy at it.(treating it as a "meat market") Even the "nerd" is an important relationship even if it's going to remain in the friend zone. Because mistakes happen...people will act like people. Inspiring out their better nature's isn't always easy...but it's better to try than to not try.
People want friends....fastest way to make them is to ask for help with something. They don't necessarily expect something in return either.

Thank you so much for your thoughts and compliments. It means a lot that you got into the story!

I would clarify the intent of the story but my creative side really likes that there are different interpretations that people can get. So Ill hold off for a time.

 

[JohnDB]

Thank you so much for your thoughts and compliments. It means a lot that you got into the story!

I would clarify the intent of the story but my creative side really likes that there are different interpretations that people can get. So Ill hold off for a time.

The thought processes of a MC are extremely important in writing. So often it's glossed over or conversely a single thought tortured to death....and what ends up happening is that there is no depth to the character in a story or bit of what is termed "flash story" which is what this is called. It's a flash scene where the MC is characterized and has a depth of character. Those bits of perspective and personality are readily identifiable by most people....so the MC is believable and people can identify with them.

Like I said before and I don't mind repeating myself because it's worth repeating.....this is great writing. Minor touches with rephrasing would be all that is necessary for publishing....and I used to know a publisher for teen girls Christian magazines (well the editor) She would have loved to publish this complete with artwork and/or photos.

Just saying....

 

[Wynona]

The thought processes of a MC are extremely important in writing. So often it's glossed over or conversely a single thought tortured to death....and what ends up happening is that there is no depth to the character in a story or bit of what is termed "flash story" which is what this is called. It's a flash scene where the MC is characterized and has a depth of character. Those bits of perspective and personality are readily identifiable by most people....so the MC is believable and people can identify with them.

Like I said before and I don't mind repeating myself because it's worth repeating.....this is great writing. Minor touches with rephrasing would be all that is necessary for publishing....and I used to know a publisher for teen girls Christian magazines (well the editor) She would have loved to publish this complete with artwork and/or photos.

Just saying....

A friend praised my writing too. I told her Im interested in Christian allegories.

 

[Nancy]

American media portrays being good as boring and heaven as hopelessly boring.

I made up a day in the life of a college student with mature Christian faith to prove the opposite. She is based on me but with the maturity and self-control I wish I had had back when I was a student.

.........


Morning

Sarah stopped her alarm before it could beep too long. Her and her dormmate were on the outs and she'd regret giving such an angry girl another reason to spite her.

They had been friends until Sarah realized her position in the friend group relied on her being a cowardly yes-girl to her roommate, who led the group.

Loneliness set in, threatening to take her down a self pity party, but mornings are her strongest times. Opening her Bible, she opens it to Phillipians to renew her mind before heading to cafeteria breakfast.

She moves down the hallway and recieves a dirty look from the girl who made fun of her clothes last week at the cafe. That really stung. However, keeping Jesus' command in mind, she waves a greeting anyway and quickly reaches the cafe.

Fortunately, a member of the campus ministry student group just sat down. Having gotten involved, it's good to see a familiar face. The crowd is full of life and those abusing it. Greek Sorors flashing their colors flaunt their status with symboled jackets and short shorts. Band nerds worn out from practice heap eggs on their plates.

One of them looked at Sarah with a grin. Sarah had yet to respond to his online message. He was the smart sort and admittedly handsome. But something told her he joined the student ministry to appease his parents, not worship.

She picked at half eaten apple sauce and made a mental note to decline going to the basketball game with him. Even if his friends were going too, itd be unwise to give him the wrong idea. She needed someone serious about God, and as lonely as she was, she feared Him and knew He wouldn't lead her to an unGodly relationship.

She thought of her friends she used to sit with. How nice it wouldve been to say, "being single is overrated!" and have her girls commiserate and joke. Who thought college could be so lonely?

The first class of the day was Sociology. Great. Apparently minorities could not be racist. Sarah raised her hand to question this only to be met with groans of annoyance that she even took the class seriously enough to pay attention.

So it went similarly with her other classes till lunch time. This time she opted for a spot outside. The girl who made fun of her clothes last week begins to walk up. Sarah tenses. Being called a Bible thumping prude for dressing modest still stung.

To her utter surprise the girl apologizes, saying she was dealing with family drama and was stressed. Sarah, feeling God's hand, accepts and offers prayer and sympathy for the family drama. They fall into a conversation that turns to belief. The girl is agnostic. Had a bad experience with church and never looked back. But when Sarah begins sharing her own beliefs, the girl cuts her off.

"I don't want to be converted, thanks."

Then the girl left.

The sting in Sarah's heart returned. She was just trying to make conversation. Not convert the girl on the spot. Why did no one understand? This faith was her life. It wasn't a tool to coerce anyone.

Once again, spiritual attacks of loneliness assaulted her. She almost gave in, but remember the Lord's Words. The Holy Spirit, strong from her sowing to it through Scripture, whispered,

If the world hates you...know that it hated Me first.

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad when you are reviled for my Name.

So she did. The loneliness hurt. But it reminded her that this campus, this culture, the girls who despised her...it wasn't home and she didn't belong so there was no point in trying.

Sarah got through the next round of classes by focusing on the work, getting some assignments done before class let out. She knew she was seen as a "try-hard" but fitting in was not her goal. Besides, the student ministry was meeting today.

They began in prayer and sang an encouraging song about God being in control. Sarah, taking comfort, found herself encouraged. It eased her loneliness and gave her hope that God was bringing her through this time and using the pain in her life for good.

The band nerd found her after the meeting. He flashed another winning smile. Sarah turned down his date offer but what if they could be friends?

Friendship, huh? It was tempting to have such an attentive handsome friend but Sarah also knew Christians are supposed to flee temptation, not fight it.

She declined again.

Finally in bed, Sarah tried to remember any sin to confess. Confused, she couldnt think of any. It was mostly writing down notes, and following God's warnings and taking in comfort through the Words she had dedicated her life to.

The warfare was intense. The roommate hated her guts and she missed her family. But Christ was stronger and His shelter was what she would rest in, no matter what the cost.

That was great Winnie! You should write more, and I'm sorry you were so lonely in school
Great attitude and smart even at such a young age.

Yes, we are hated for sure, the hurt is still there even though we know it will happen. It's a strange feeling, being hated yet loving our God enough to take it.
xo

 

[Wynona]

That was great Winnie! You should write more, and I'm sorry you were so lonely in school
Great attitude and smart even at such a young age.

Yes, we are hated for sure, the hurt is still there even though we know it will happen. It's a strange feeling, being hated yet loving our God enough to take it.
xo

Thanks, Nancy! Love you, sis!!