Page 67 - Dash to Heaven DRAFT

The Outsider
Mia had walked by that little church on the corner many times, always admiring its quaint steps, wrought-iron railing and welcoming front doors. She would pause on the sidewalk across the street and watch the regular worshippers enter with their bibles tucked neatly under their arms...the bibles with the satin ribbon bookmarks.
One rainy Sunday she stopped to watch as the preacher propped open both church doors. Her umbrella was opened wide. Suddenly, she realized there was an elderly woman standing next to her. “May I share?” the woman asked. Mia leaned part of the large umbrella over to cover the woman’s head. The woman introduced herself as Rosemarie, but said everyone called her Rose. She asked Mia if she would like to go inside with her. “Oh, no...no thank you,” Mia told her. “I’m not one of you; I’m an outsider. You see, I don’t know about God. I’ve never learned about Him.”
Rose answered, “Oh, honey. You’re not an outsider. God loves each of us and wants you to know and love Him. After all, He’s known you all your life. You are always welcome here.” “I’m sorry; I wouldn’t feel comfortable. But, thank you...Rose,” she answered.
In the Sundays that followed, Rose and Mia grew very close. At first, they would sit together talking on the green bench across the street from the church. Then, Mia began to attend church regularly alongside Rose, who
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