A Certain Sister Fell Among Thieves

Fern cradled the cordless phone under her chin while deftly forming cookies for the Annual Charity Auction.

"Hi, Ruth! So what are you doing today?"

"Oh, sewing. Sewing for my grandchildren. You know how it is with children. They grow so fast."

"They sure do. Say, did you hear what Susan has been up to the last while? "

"Uh huh!"

Fern didn't seem to hear her as she plunged on with her story.

"I can't believe she would 'fall in' with that sort of companions! And did you hear what she was doing just the other day?"

"Who were her companions?"

"Oh, you know. The unusual. Doubt, Unbelief, Luvof-deeworld. I don't know their real names.She really fell hard."

"Yeah, I wanted to go talk to her, but didn't know what to say."

"She should have known better. After all she came from a good family."

"Did you hear who did go and talk to her?"

"No, who?"

"Diedrie."

"Diedrie?"

" You know, the one who started coming to church awhile back!"

"Oh, her! I haven't met her,yet! You'd think she would be ashamed to come around with her outlandish hair color and those awful tattoes!

I wish you wouldn't keep sewing while I am talking!"

"They say she has met the Lord." Ruth gazed longingly at the garment in her hands. Chatting with Fern always took soo much time.

"Really? Well, seeing is believing. I wish she would change her ways if she is going to persist in coming to church. Think of the influence she could be on the young!"

"Yeah!"

A faint dinging sound could be heard in the background.

"Oh, there goes my timer. I'm making my famous Orange Buttermilk Cookies for the sale. Iced and decorated, of course.I do hope we rake in lots of money towards building a new church in El Salvador. It's a good cause."

" Maybe I should donate these dresses I'm making. Breanna and Kayleen have plenty."

" Sure, that's a good idea. I hope that, uh, What's Her Name doesn't put strange ideas into Susan's head. The poor girl. I bet her mother must be so embarrassed to have Her hanging around."

Ruth was silent. She had heard that Susan, and her mother had been deeply touched by the compassionate, non-judgmental attitude Diedrie had shown.

"I wish I could be more understanding...." She said softly.

"Oh, you do fine. Look, you offered to give those dresses, after all that work and money you put into them! Well, I got to run along. Ta de da! Have a good day." Click!

Ruth sat there lost in thought. Why is it so much easier for some to show compassion than others?

Books by Marilyn Friesen are available from:www.prairieviewpress.com    

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The Folks Next Door (part three)

“Goedemorgen, Claudine!” Verena hurried over to the young mother who was strolling down a wooded path near their town home. “May I take a peek at your baby? Hallo Jans, did I wake you up? What a sweet little boy you are!” She sighed happily and looked around. “What a perfectly lovely day to be out for a walk. Aren't spring days beautiful?”

Claudine nodded. “ Pieter and Nicholaes do not play too far from the path. We need to go home after awhile to make supper for your father.”

“Where is Margriete?” Verena asked while she was making silly facial expressions to get the rosy cheeked lad to giggle.

“Over yonder,” Claudine pointed. “She is gathering an armful of flowers to fill our rooms with.”

“Meenen is such a pretty little town.”

Claudine fell silent. At least it doesn't have a dungeon like Ypres does. She suddenly felt cold and it had nothing to do with the stirring of a summer-like breese. How I would hate to be confined to a dark prison cell when the air is so fresh and there are all kinds of interesting things to do. She felt her grip tighten around the baby's small form. Verena didn't notice Claudine's change of mood. She was already rushing back to chat with Margriete.

“Mama!” Pieter called. “May I hold Jans please?”

Claudine handed the baby to his brother who promptly sat down in the grass and entertained him by tickling his face with a daisy.

What happy, sweet children I have, and such a good husband. Why then am I feeling cast-down in my soul, all of a sudden? Claudine started singing and the rich, pure tones filled the air with a rare beauty.

Claudine had a good soup cooking by the time Piersom entered the door. Claudine quirked her eyebrows. He didn't bound in with his usual boisterous good humor.

Piersom motioned for her to step outside.

“Margariete, you can start feeding Jans. He's so hungry after all that fresh air this afternoon. Yes, Piersom?”

Her husband closed the door behind Claudine before speaking. Then he laid his hands on her shoulders and looked deep into her warm, brown eyes. “ Hendric matched my step as I was returning home from work.”

Claudine nodded. Why such a sober look?

“Titelmannus is out and about.”

“Who is he?” Why did I whisper?

“The Dean of Ronse.”

When his wife still wore a blank expression, Piersom continued, “The Inquisitor. A pious councillor warned me to flee. I will hide in yonder woods.”

“Could you not pause to sup with us? You must be tired after such a long day.”

“Nay, I must hasten. He may have rounded up the bailiffs already to come and fetch me.” He turned to go, then paused. “You come, to, Claudine. They may be after you as well.”

Claudine knew the danger they were in. “I will fetch the baby, but you go! Go! Don't wait for me! I'll be but a moment later.”

“Where's Papa?”

“Why doesn't Papa come in for supper? I am hungry!”

“Papa and I are going for a little walk. Go ahead and eat. Pieter, you can lead in prayer. Hallo Janzie! My what a sopping wet baby! Did he eat much?”

Margariete nodded. “Everything that I mashed up for him.”

Claudine quickly and deftly changed the baby's sodden garments then hurried out the door.

She saw a ragtag, but determined looking bunch of men heading down the street so ducked into the woods and quickened her pace.

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Claudine de Vettre

MARTYRS MIRROR