An interview with Bishop

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Annie stood outside the door labeled Bishop. She listened to the faint white noise that always played just outside the door to preserve the privacy of those within. The hall was empty. If you’re folding chairs lined up outside the door for those waiting to see the Bishop. After knocking, she turned that to wait patiently. Luckily for her, she didn’t have to wait long before the door opened.

“Annie, so good to see you.”

Annie looked up from her seat to see the smiling face of Bishop Dickerson. He was a fairly new Bishop having been called just a few months prior, but the word seemed to like him and though he was only in his late 20s seemed to be settling into the calling nicely.

“Hi Bishop!” Annie smiled and stood taking his hand in a firm handshake.

“Come on in” Bishop Dickerson waved his hand testing to the small office. The majority‘s office was filled with a standard round desk and more folding chairs lighting the walls. Bishop Dickerson snacks, one of the folding chairs and placed it in the middle of the room facing desk before walking around the desk and settled himself.

Annie quickly moved to the folding chair and sat nervously running her hands down her legs too smart, smooth her skirt.

“So what can I help you with today? I was a little surprised to hear from you.”

“Well I” Annie faulted, “ I…. I… sorry” Annie took a deep breath.

“It’s all right, take your time. Remember, I’m here as a representative of Jesus Christ. Whatever it is, I won’t judge you. I’m simply here to help.”

Annie nodded and gathered her courage “I’ve sined” she sat there, tense, and stiff, terrified of what would happen next.

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. But like I said, this is a safe place a place for you to repent and return to your savior Jesus Christ. I’ll help you, however I can. What was the nature of this sin?”

Tears began to roll down Annie’s cheeks she felt the horrible knot of guilt and shame that she had send carrying for so many years, sticking her throat as though it was trying to prevent her from telling her misdeed

“It was several years ago. I was at Sister Shumway’s, my young woman’s leader at the time. We were over at her house to make cookies. I happen to look down and found a small stud earring lying on the carpet. I don’t know why, but I bent down, picked it up and put it in my pocket. I told myself the time that I’d give it to Sister Shumway before we left. But then with all the baking and visiting, I forgot and …… took it home” Annie was now openly sobbing. “ I broke the Commandment to not steal Bishop! The next morning when I found it in my pocket, I didn’t know what to do. I felt so terrible. I was so ashamed. I never gave it back. I just couldn’t bring myself to face Sister Shumway and tell her of the terrible thing I had done.” Annie buried her face in her hands at her shoulders, shook with the **** of her sobs.

“Was the earring valuable?” Bishop Dickerson‘s voice was soft and gentle.

Between her sobs, Annie choked out “No, it was a cheap earring. The kind that you could get at Dollar General’s or maybe Claire’s.”

“And you said this was several years ago?”

“Yes”

“Did Sister Shumway ever bring it up or ask about the earring?”

“No”

Bishop Dickerson rubbed at the back of his head “I don’t know that this is really something you need to seek forgiveness for. It sounds more like an accident than anything and no real harm was done. I’m sure you’ve already been forgiven.”

Annie cried harder “Then why do I feel so terrible? How do I make it go away? How do I clean the filth?” Annie stared desperately up at Bishop Dickerson, her desire and hope clear on her face.

Bishop Dickerson cleared his throat uncomfortably as he searched for an answer.

“Well…. There’s really nothing to be forgiven for….. maybe if you committed a little sin that was related, you could be forgiven of that. Then once you’re forgiven, you will feel this way anymore.”

Annie’s face lit with joy “Do you really think so? But what sort of sin should I commit?”