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Nancy’s clutched the
Bible and stared at the verses she was to read aloud. Song of
Solomon 7:7 and Song of Solomon
8:1-----Seriously? I am supposed to read
THAT aloud??
Nancy whispered to
Sister Opal, “Would you trade verses with me?
I would really appreciate it.”
She must have sounded
too desperate, for Sister Opal turned her down flat, holding onto her Psalms
42: 1, 2 tightly.
Preacher began
calling on the verses to be read.
'What'll I do...what'll I do? I can't say those words.' Her mind raced. 'Should I go to the bathroom? Throw up here in the Sanctuary....' The answer came from something her Speech and Debate teacher told her. So she did exactly that.
Nancy’s turn came. She stood tall, pulled her shoulders back and tilted her chin up. Clearing her throat, while making eye contact with the expectant faces turned to see her, Nancy spoke in a clear and loud voice, pausing at the commas. She emphasized the important nouns, and let her voice reach to all. Just as she had been coached during Speech Contests.
'What'll I do...what'll I do? I can't say those words.' Her mind raced. 'Should I go to the bathroom? Throw up here in the Sanctuary....' The answer came from something her Speech and Debate teacher told her. So she did exactly that.
Nancy’s turn came. She stood tall, pulled her shoulders back and tilted her chin up. Clearing her throat, while making eye contact with the expectant faces turned to see her, Nancy spoke in a clear and loud voice, pausing at the commas. She emphasized the important nouns, and let her voice reach to all. Just as she had been coached during Speech Contests.
“Song of Solomon 7:7, This thy stature is like to a palm tree, and
thy breasts to clusters of grapes…chapter 8:8, O that thou wert as my brother,
that sucked the breast of my mother…”
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Silence fell across
the small sanctuary, then some snickers erupted and throats cleared. Flustered, Preacher looked at Nancy and then down at his list. “Let’s move on, shall
we?”
Sister Opal leaned
over and whispered to Nancy, “There are some verses that shouldn’t oughta be in
the Bible. That there is some of ‘em.”
Loved this - my feelings when taking morning prayer and had to read from that book. :0)
ReplyDeleteVery awkward!
DeleteWell preacher should have been a little more careful in choosing don't you think? Good on her to just leave herself out of it and read.
ReplyDeleteThe preacher mis-wrote the chapter and verse #. He was more embarrassed than any there.
DeleteThe preacher got more than he bargained for
ReplyDeleteOh, yes. He blushed exceptionally well.
DeleteGood for Nancy!
ReplyDeleteSometimes one has to rise above the circumstances.
DeleteExcellent.
ReplyDeleteNancy survived it all.
DeleteLet it fly, no matter how flirty haha
ReplyDeleteIn the Midwest, saying the word "breasts" and "suck" together was almost pornography.
DeleteHeeHee! Nancy is more courageous than me! She's my new hero . . .
ReplyDeleteAnyone that can rope a steer is mine! I love your blogs!
DeleteI could just see her turn bright red as she read it! Glad she survived!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Survival is all that matters in those teen years, in the Midwest, with three brothers.
DeleteEven in church you can end up embarrassed, LOL!
ReplyDeleteSome more than others!
DeleteDear Susan, I laughed out loud. Nancy's dilemma reminded me of the time I was giving a speech in front of my seventh grade class and the boys made fun and I started to pee and finally stood in a puddle at the front of the room. I posted about this a few weeks ago. I always smile when I remember that day, but at the time, I was so embarrassed! Peace.
ReplyDeleteI remember that post!!
DeletePerhaps the preacher will be more careful next time. And I love Nancy's courageous solution. Thank you for bringing her to us.
ReplyDeleteMaybe next time, the preacher would try to keep things simple?
DeleteThe Bible is about life; it contains life stories. This is one of them.
ReplyDeleteAnd why not?
Blessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting
Life in the Urban Forest (poetry)
The Bible is rich in life stories! And, a life with the Bible is enriched indeed.
DeleteHi Susan - Glad I found you and your wonderful blog(s). I've just subbed to you and look forward to many visits and many chats.
ReplyDeleteI also just read the lovely comment you left for me over at Val's blog, regarding my kitchen plaques and craft work. I'm chuffed that you like my work - it made my day. Just wanted to let you know that yes, I do indeed ship worldwide. If you want to chat with me off-blog, I'd love to hear from you.
Slan go foill from a very blustery (and cold) Co. Sligo - June (celticmooncraft.com)
Your blog site is awesome! I will be looking to order from you.
DeleteHi Susan! Ahhh...thanks very much for checking out my blog. It's been a while since I've posted there, I realise - but it's because I've been so busy with craft fairs, selling at the farmers' market, and commissioned orders that I've not had as much free time as I'd like to get a blog post out Hopefully though, I will be posting something there soon.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime, thank you so much for all your kind words about my plaques. I do take commissions from anywhere in the world, so that's not a problem. Whenever you're ready and would like me to do a plaque (or a cross or a mandala), just let me know.
Thanks again! I really appreciate your praise and overall good vibes.
June