This short story (which I wrote for a creative writing contest in high school) won a blue ribbon on the area level competition, a first place award at the regional competition, and a runner-up trophy at the national level. Originally written in first person, I have changed it to third person. I also made a few minor changes (including a title change), but this story is essentially the same as the one I wrote in 1983.

Ribbons of Memory

Karl was thinking about his assignment for his next class when he heard Jason mention something about going with him to the youth meeting. Had he heard correctly or did he just hear what he wanted to hear? "Run that by me again, Jason. You want to go with me to the youth-activity?"

"Yeah, Karl, I do."

"Hey, great!" Karl replied, trying to conceal his astonishment. He had been praying for Jason for months, ever since the beginning of the school year, and had repeatedly invited Karl to attend church with him. Jason always had some plausible excuse for not attending, and promised to go the next time. Of course, Karl never really expected Jason to accept an invitation, and now Karl wondered what had made Jason change his mind?

Karl was still daydreaming when he noticed Jason leaving for his next class. "Hey, Jason, I'll pick you up tomorrow--6:30 fine with you?"

Jason smiled. "Yeah, I'll be waiting."

Karl had to hurry to avoid being late for his advanced algebra class. He had a hard time concentrating in his last couple classes, but soon the day was over, and it was time to leave school. As he closed his locker door, Karl heard Jason's voice.

"Bye, Karl. See you tomorrow."

"See you," Karl called back in wonder. He smiled. Maybe God was beginning to soften Jason's heart. All that praying was finally paying off.

That night, before going to sleep, Karl picked up his Bible and read Ephesians 4. The chapter emphasized putting on the new man, and not letting bitterness, anger, or evil speaking dominate one's life. Karl knew verse 32 by memory: "Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

"These are really good verses to live by" Karl mumbled to himself. "Almost like the Golden Rule."

As Karl turned out the light, he smiled. Yes, the kids in the youth group would like Jason. Karl was confident that Jason would notice the difference between the kids in his youth group and the kids at school, and that God would save Jason.

*******

Karl's excitement was evident the next day at school. As soon as school was over, he hurried home to get ready for the evening youth group meeting. After calling his youth leader and several friends to let them know that Jason would be attending that night, he admired himself one final time in the mirror. Everything had to be perfect

Jason was waiting when Karl arrived.

"Am I late?" Karl asked glancing at his watch.

"Oh, no, not at all. I just like to be ready early."

Jason was strangely silent for a couple minutes. It seemed to Karl that he was deep in thought. "Karl, are the rest of the people in your youth group like you? I mean, you are different."

"Yes, we're different, but don't worry! The kids are great. They'll all treat you just fine, and I know you'll have fun." Karl smiled and then just as quickly replaced the smile with a frown. "I should warn you about Abby, however. She's a little strange. You know what I mean. There's always one in every group."

Jason got a puzzled look on his face. "What do you mean strange?"

"Well...how do I explain Abby? She's--well, she's different. You'll soon find out, if she's there. Can't miss her, that's for sure. Overweight, no taste in clothes, and what she does wear never matches. I think she's color blind. Oh, and she'll talk your ear off if you let her" Karl laughed as he glanced over at Jason.

Jason was smiling, but he shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

The rest of the drive was rather quiet. Jason answered Karl's questions with either a yeah or a nod of his head. Karl was relieved to arrive at the church. He knew Jason would enjoy himself and open up to the other members of the youth group. If only Abby stayed home that evening, everything would be perfect.

All the young people were glad to see Jason, and they treated him very kindly. Karl was pleased, and he could tell that Jason was beginning to feel at ease. Things were going great until Abby stepped into the church.

Karl nudged Jason and whispered in his ear, "Look out, here she comes!"

Everything would have been fine if Abby had just walked by without saying a word, but no such chance.

"Hi, Karl. Who's your friend?"

Karl introduced Jason to Abby. Everything still would have been all right if Abby had just said, nice to meet you or welcome to the group and left, but she did not. Abby stood there droning on and on about nothing in particular. Karl impatiently shifted from one foot to another, until he could take no more.

With all the self-control he could muster, Karl pasted a smile on his face. "Abby, thank you for your words of wisdom. Now, if you would excuse us. There are others Jason would like to meet before the night is over."

Karl grabbed Jason by the arm and pulled him away. "Sorry about that. Should've pulled you away sooner. Now, you know why we avoid her."

"That's okay," Jason answered. "I didn't mind listening to her."

"You would if you had to the rest of the night."

Jason did not say anything. In fact, he was rather quiet the rest of the night. Occasionally, Jason glanced over at Abby with--well, it almost seemed like pity on his face.

Jason enjoyed the games, and Karl could tell he was having fun. He also liked the food very much. The night was passing too quickly. After some songs, the youth leader asked for a few volunteers to stand up and share their testimony. A few teens, including Karl, stood up and gave a testimony. Karl made sure the plan of salvation was clearly explained in his testimony. He squelched the urge to look down at Jason to see his reaction. He didn’t want Jason to feel uncomfortable. Karl knew that even without the youth leader’s devotional, Jason would understand the gospel.

After the devotional, the youth leader gave an invitation. Jason did not respond to the invitation, but he was quiet the rest of the night, and Karl thought he might be under conviction.

Dropping Jason off at his house later that night, Karl asked him if he would like to come to any more youth activities. He expected Jason to say yes because he seemed to have fun.

Karl was surprised when Jason looked at him and said, "No, I'd rather not go to any more of your youth's activities. You know, I had heard that Christians were different--kind and loving. But I didn't see much kindness and love to the person who needed it most. You call yourself a Christian, but you act no different from my other friends."

"But, I--I-- Jason! I can explain! Please come back!" The car door slammed. It was too late. He had gone, and now Karl feared he had ruined his only chance with Jason.

As he drove slowly home, Karl had time to think. No, he had never called Abby names to her face, but he had whispered behind her back and made fun of her. Karl was certain that Abby had been hurt by his and others' rude remarks, even though they were done openly. If God and even Jason could accept Abby for who she was, why couldn't he, a Christian who loved God, accept and love Abby also?

Just then, Karl recalled the verses he had read the night before, especially verse 32: "Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

"I guess I don't live by those verses, after all," Karl muttered under his breath

Right then, Karl knew what he had to do, and he had to do it that evening. It would not be easy, but he knew it was the right thing to do. He pulled his car into the driveway to turn around. He did not know if Abby ever had friends visit her house, but she was going to have one tonight.