COVID-19 Episodic Story
A few years ago, I picked up a book named, On Writing The Short Story, by Hallie Burnett. Ms. Burnett was an author and a co-editor (along with Whit Burnett) of the magazine STORY for more than thirty years (1942-1971). In addition to giving the usual information about the process of writing and some very interesting insights, she included six stories from the magazine which were submitted by writers who were relatively unknown at the time. I had never heard of the STORY magazine, but I did recognize a couple of author names, Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams specifically. One story stood out for me. The story, Address Unknown, was written in an episodic form by Kressmann Taylor. It was presented as a series of letters between two men (A Jew and a German) who had been successful business partners in America before the German returned home to be part of the growing Nazi regime. It is tragic and moving. If you can find a copy I recommend reading it.Today (April 4th, 2020) while COVID-19 is ravaging the world, I received an email regarding a writing contest at Reedsy which was to be in episodic format (either a dairy or a journal). I didn’t like the prompts so didn’t enter, but it did start me writing. Here is my story.
Saturday, April 4, 2020.
Dear Pastor,
I recently saw your church featured in a piece on CNN. I must admit I was inspired by the fortitude of the parishioners who were interviewed. To have such faith in Jesus and God is truly inspiring, especially at this time in history. I have never been a believer, but hearing the faith expressed by you and your congregation has moved me. I would greatly appreciate being able to visit your church and to hear you preach. At this time when religious gatherings have been restricted in so many places, it is wonderful to see people coming together, hugging each other, and congregating for Jesus.
I dearly pray that you will allow me to visit.
Your sincerely,
David Skinner
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Monday, April 6, 2020
Dear Mr. Skinner,
I was delighted to receive your email. It was refreshing in light of the attitude being displayed by other with less faith. I read it to my congregation yesterday, and we all agree that a visit by you would be wonderful. We meet twice weekly on Wednesday and Sunday from 10:00 to 11:30. Please let me know if and when you will come. We are all looking forward to meeting and praying with you.
Your faithfully,
Your Pastor to be.
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Monday, April 6, 2020
Dear Pastor,
I was excited to receive your reply, and to learn that you are open to my visit. I am not employed at this time, as I was laid off just last week when I tested positive for COVID-19. Learning of my condition by others has made me a social pariah even though I am mostly asymptomatic, but I am hopeful that someone such as you, who truly has faith, will not see my condition as a deterrent. I find myself longing for close social contact. I can leave for a visit anytime, but I realize you will want to pass this by your parishioners. Some may not believe as strongly in the protection of the blood of Jesus as you do. I wait hopefully for your positive reply.
Yours hopefully,
David Skinner
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Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Dear David.
The Lord tests us all in many ways. Your correspondence has been a test for my congregation. I read your latest email to my people, and then we discussed it extensively. I admit there were a few who questioned the wisdom of allowing you to visit. They claimed to have faith in their belief that Jesus protects us from the virus, but their faith was not enough when faced with actual contact with someone who is infected. I can only hope that they will return to the fold when they see proof of the Lord’s mercy.
The rest of the congregation is praying for you, and ready to lay hands on your body to drive the devilish corona virus from you.
Your Pastor.
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Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Dear Pastor,
Thank you, thank you, and praise the Lord. I will leave tomorrow and God willing will be with you for Sunday service.
Yours gratefully,
David Skinner
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Thursday, April 23, 2020
Dearest friends,
I have returned safely from my trip, and I must express my gratitude to all of you for receiving me so graciously. I am now a true believer in the Lord’s mercy and am protected forever by the blood of his son, Jesus. You will be happy to learn that my illness has passed, and it was not nearly as bad as I was led to believe it would be. Your hands-on blessings and your prayers saved me I am sure. Naysayers will no doubt claim that I was one of the lucky ones who only had mild symptoms, but I know better. I tell everyone that your faith and ministry saved me.
With my gracious thanks,
David Skinner
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Monday, April 27, 2020
Dear Pastor,
I was shocked to see the newscast that reported COVID-19 has infected your church. I pray for a quick recovery for you and the rest of the congregation. May Jesus’s blood protect you all.
Yours in faith,
David Skinner
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Tuesday, April 28, 2020 Message undelivered. Please check email address for validity.