Writing 101, Day Six: A Character-Building Experience

Today, you’ll write about the most interesting person you’ve met in 2014. In your twist, develop and shape your portrait further in a character study.

I first encountered Liz on the phone as she was seeking to join our home education cooperative.  Her voice was melodic and cheerful and her expressiveness gave away her devotion for her children.  Meeting her the following week confirmed my initial observation – as she gently held her youngest daughter and smiled lovingly at her, somehow everyone in the room felt comforted.

Her eyes were soft and round, tender and expressive.  Her passion for her children was obvious – attentive and gentle in her care for them.  But what astonished me was not just her care for her own, but her compassion for a friend’s son who was diagnosed with stage four cancer.  Rapidly she would convey the need for prayer for Trevor and made t-shirts for her family to support her friend. Weeping for his healing, she became a spokesperson to get as much support for him as she could.

She embodies bravery and honesty; her recognition of her need for God humbles me.  Stepping out of the boundaries of the religion she was raised in, she willingly faces persecution to seek out the truth.  No longer content to accept the traditions handed down to her, she is continually on a quest to find truth.

She is generosity personified; she contemplates how to pray for anyone who comes across her path or help them in some way, materially or emotionally.  Her casual way of talking puts you at ease, and she makes you feel accepted with her wink of her eye and easy smile.

Teachable and open, she imparts joy and an openness to all around her and I am thankful to now call her friend.