Thursday Brew with Gwen: Finding Gwen

The second term of a creators Writers Course Had begun when Ms Alternate Lifestyle enrolled. She was built on very ample lines, wore a long flowing gown which she garnished with huge pendants. Her long, greying hair was tied in a ponytail. Her conversation was always about how unfair Men were in general, and in particular her husband.  In her voice there was a constant whine.

The Womanizer had been through three marriages, several relationships, and many one-night stands. Strangely, he longed to find a good woman. Yet he could not bring himself to trust, and so it was doubtful if he would ever find Ms Right? He and Ms Alternate Lifestyle saw in each other all the things they hated in the other sex.

A hate Ms Lifestyle Campaign was formed by The Womaniser, and she became ostracised.

 I wondered what the class thought about me. I was a Christian.

I was strait laced, always withdrew when the stories turned blue and degenerated into being lewd. Then someone would remember I was in class and call for a change of subject.

I began to study how each student was greeted on entry into class. Curious, I decided to experiment. One evening, I arrived later than usual, hoping the class would have assembled and for one pregnant moment I paused in the doorway.

Everyone looked up.

“Hi, everyone,” I announced cheerfully.

There was no heavy silence of rejection, but an air of acceptance. And did I imagine it a trace of respect? I realised with some surprise, being a Christian had relegated me to the Category of Weirdo.

The final test came when it was thought that the class might disband due to lack of students. Let’s go and have a drink together, just in case it is the last time we meet, someone suggested.

“Good idea,” said another.

“Where should we go and who's coming? How about you Gwen? Are you coming? “What should I do? Go and be a dampener? Refrain from going and give the impression of being a wowser.

I was watched for my reaction. “No, I think I'll go home. I've got some ironing to do.”

 I then became involved in a discussion, which made me the last to reach the car park. The rest of the class was standing around chatting as I came by.

The Intellectual spoke. “Would you come if we shouted you an orange drink?”

I hesitated.

“Please do come,” urged the Dapper Gentleman. “We really would like you to.”

It was obvious that I had been the subject under discussion and a genuine move had been made to include me. I would be churlish to refuse. The toughest pub in town was chosen. We sat and sipped our drinks and put the world to rights. I had often wondered what I would say if I had to stand before the class and declare my faith, the moment of truth came there in the pub, surrounded by the class. The talk had been on world affairs and Glamour Girl with her long silver blonde hair, chiffon blouse and hip hugging jeans burst out. “If there is a God, why does he allow war? Why does he allow suffering in the world?”  

Everyone turned in my direction. "Yes, Gwen, why does God allow suffering?”

I plunged in,” God gave man a free will and he does not violate that free will. Man has brought the suffering and war on himself by his greed and lust for power. God does not want puppets. He wants people to love him and serve him of their own free will, not because they must, but because they want to.”

“I know you're right, Gwen, but I can't accept it,” Glamour Girl replied. The class relaxed.  

A quote I had read floated through my mind, “Obstinate men don't hold opinions, opinions hold them.”

Here was a group of people who knew the truth, but it didn't set them free because like Ms Alternate Lifestyle their opinions held them captive.

The class of ‘78 may have not been earth shattering for the other students, but it was a turning point in my life. The desire to write had been fed and watered and I was determined to write.

I had been forced to examine my faith and the reasons for having a faith. The outcome was that my faith in God was strengthened. My faith had affected the others.

 I often wonder what happened to each student.

Where are they and what do they believe today?