Church,  A School of Love

Part 3

Twenty-two

As soon as Aaron could, he ran to college and never went back. During holidays or summer break, he made excuses to his aunt about not coming to her house. Studying. Work. He didn’t care what the lie was. Most of all, no church. 

He met a sweet young lady and was falling in love. Before he could meet her family, she took him to church. A different church than anything he was used to. Everyone was dressed to the nines. Even the children. Every Sunday. Worship service was full of order. All the important people wore robes with sachets. This preacher was quite the showman. The choir sang like they were preforming at an awards show every week. 

At first Aaron liked this church. They had a food pantry. A clothing ministry. They sent shoe boxes to poor countries. Did coat and toy drives. He felt like he had finally found a church to call home. This made him love his sweetheart even more. 

One Sunday, he was late. There had been an accident on the highway making him 15 minutes late. As he got out of the car, he saw one of the deacons speaking harshly to someone that looked homeless. He was able to get close enough to hear the deacon talk to this man like a dog. No, less than a dog. 

When the deacon slammed the door in the homeless man’s face, Aaron followed him. “Sir, i don’t have any cash. Would you allow me to buy you lunch?”

Aaron and this man walked a block to a restaurant. They sat and talked until Aaron’s phone buzzed. It was his girlfriend. He explain what he was doing and invited her to join them. He was afraid the homeless man would get kicked out before he had finished his meal if he left. She reminded him they were supposed to have lunch with the preacher to talk about a possible engagement. He asked if they could join him? In a few minutes the reply came back, FINE.

Half way through their lunch, the homeless man excused himself to leave. Aaron got up from his new seat, walking him to the door. Upon his return to their table, both the preacher and his wife-to-be, scolded him under their breath. For doing something kind, he was made to feel incredibly guilty. HE missed church. HE made no offering. HE turned this luncheon; that was supposed to be about their future, into “YOUR LITTLE FEEL GOOD.” She smirked. The preacher nodding throughout her rant. 

Aaron smiled, “you both feel this way?” 

Yes, they nodded.

“There will be no wedding and I have no desire to be a member of this church.” He paid the bill for both tables and left.