Men & Women Winter 1991

ARTICLE TOOLS

Find similar articles E-mail this page

The phone rang. "Can I visit you?" a woman named Carol asked with that particular tone of voice that lets you know she'll be crushed if refused.

I clasped my hand over the receiver and whispered to Mary, my wife, "That girl we met after worship wants to come and see us."

"You mean here?" she mouthed incredulously, casting her eye over the packing cases still strewn everywhere from our recent move. I nodded. We wanted to be friendly to our new congregation. So Mary nodded in agreement, and I told Carol, almost honestly, "You'll be welcome."

Within ten minutes of Carol's arrival, we knew she was different. Her world was small, amounting to her job, her parents, and her church. Any question on these three subjects would elicit a one-sentence answer, often accompanied by a high-pitched giggle. Rarely did she initiate a subject.

However, she never failed to give me perfect attention. Her eyes never left me.

Mary spoke frequently to divert her attention, but Carol barely responded to her. After an hour of this, I suggested we view some TV. Mary and I watched the program, but Carol mostly watched me, interrupting regularly to get my attention.

When the door finally closed on Carol that evening, both Mary and I were exhausted. I sank back into a chair and sighed a heartfelt prayer, "No more evenings like that, Lord, please!"

That was not to be, however. Carol began to come over regularly, and she didn't wait for invitations. Instead, she'd call and say, "I bought your son a birthday present. Please, can I bring it to him myself?" She made it impossible to refuse.

Carol had no friends, having smothered every friendship under a ton of oppressive attention. She was a single 35-year-old with a huge minus in self-esteem ...

Like the preview? To read this complete article and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW! Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history. Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
It's easy and quick to join: 2-for-1 Deal. Two powerful resources for 1 great price! A 1-Year Membership to CTLibrary & a 1-year print subscription to the magazine of your choice! Enjoy your first 7days online FREE! Only $49.95 1-Year Membership Plus your first 7 days are FREE! You won't be charged until after your free trial. Only $49.95 1-Month Membership Includes automatic renewal each month. Only $9.95 1-Year for Print Subscribers Special offer if you are currently a print subscriber to Christianity Today, Leadership journal, Books & Culture or Christian History & Biography. Only $29.95 first year Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l		FREE e-Newsletter! Even if you're not a member you can take advantage of the free "Christian News & Research" twice monthly e-newsletter! Sign up today for the FREE e-newsletter!   Note: Members also automatically receive this free e-newsletter.