The Prompt: You see a woman who looks pregnant and ask if you can pray over her
baby. She looks at you and says, "I’m not pregnant." What do you say?
Create a short story.
My face must have looked as red as the red pepper that woman had been holding her in hand. "I, I am so sorry, ma'am. I never wanted to imply that you were fat or anything, or insult. I just wanted to bless you and do something to help the future. I was way out of line though. I haven't even asked someone that before. I'm sorry."
I wanted to get away from her before she could yell at me, but a man picking out cucumbers was standing in the way of my escape route.
"How pregnant did you think I looked?" she asked. "I'm not that fat, you know. I try very hard to watch what I eat, but it's hard being a single woman working nights and weekends at a fast food place." She added softly, "It can get depressing."
I didn't think I could feel much worse, but her speech disproved me. ":I'm sure you work hard at your diet. It's obvious looking at you now that you're not pregnant. I have a terrible habit of not watching my tongue before I speak. Please, forget I ever said anything."
"If only it were that simple," her voice quivered.
"You know what?" I asked her, gently taking her free hand in mine, "God thinks you're beautiful, no matter what you look like. He loves you for your heart, and that's how all people should love you. May I, may I pray for you instead?"
Success or failure, instantaneous relief or more guilt hung in the balance for me as I awaited the woman's response.
"Yes," her eyes began tearing, "I'd like that."
I bowed my head, and right there in the middle of the vegetable aisle, I prayed over that woman that God would give her peace of mind, joy, and contentment over her present appearance. I followed up with requesting that He would give her great inner strength in her dieting journey ahead and help her meet her personal goals. I was sure people had stopped shopping to eavesdrop, but I didn't care. This prayer was the most important thing to me.
When I lifted my head up, she smiled through the tears that were drying her cheeks. "Thank you." She squeezed my hands. "I feel better already."
Praying a silent thanksgiving, I gave her a hug. "I'm glad I could help. God bless you."
"God bless you too."
After smiling, I strode in the opposite direction of her. That wasn't as embarrassing as it could have been, but I still desired to leave the awkward atmosphere. I slowed my pace as I thought with awe how God used my blunder to pray for her. It turned out I helped her after all.
Just as I was about to continue my own shopping, I felt a tap on my shoulder. A woman in her early forties was standing behind me.
"I saw what you did for that woman back there. It was very nice. I hope you wouldn't mind praying with me too? I could really use some."
The pain was evident in her eyes, and my heart started to ache for her, at the same time being even more amazed at how God was still bringing blessings from what I thought had been my most embarrassing situation.
"I'd love to pray with you. Why don't we step off to the side here, and you tell me what's troubling you?"
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