Gary Roberts is originally from Michigan but is now living in Buellton California. He has been writing off and on since he was seventeen. He has had one story published in THE LUTHERAN JOURNAL entitled "Homefront."
Pastor Rick was tired. He was physically tired, mentally tired and most agitating of all, spiritually tired.
that came up short every Sunday morning, a leaky, creaky church building with no funds for repair.
protruding, uneven bark occasionally dug into his back. It provided more than welcome shade.
over his sun sensitive eyes.
resident cliché. He was surprised not to see an over loaded shopping cart in her general vicinity.
really noticed her, let alone paid any attention.
situation to actually reach out to this individual. Without too much thought, he chose the former.
the constant craving that overpowered her every minute, every hour, every day.
success rate for making a difference in these situations was minimal at best.
requesting a cup of coffee from another.
and flapping their elbows or whining because they had had enough and were ready to go home.
He gave himself a mild pat on the back. At least he had taken note of the woman.
a pig to a mud hole, his attention kept being drawn back to this hard luck, unfortunate woman.
it for a while, then stared again.
"Enough," he finally said to himself, pounding his fist in his thigh. He would be a Good Samaritan.
If it was to no avail, at least he would be able to live with himself.
She did not look up. Instead, she folded her arms, started to jerk her head and jabber incoherently.
return to his lazy existence with a clear conscience.
away from her empty bottle and towards the ongoing activity of his fellow picnickers.