After what seemed like an eternity, light started coming through the windows; and, in another hour, the congregation began arriving with the organ sounding the Sunday ritual. My attempts to bolster my self-confidence plummeted when I saw everyone staring at me. I was not only on display as a repentant sinner, but I realized I looked like a hood from a grade B movie. My arms were bare up to my shoulders, my chest was exposed down to my open Levis and groin, my hair was falling in my face, and I was helpless to change my appearance or to move away from their stares. I could only turn my head from side to side. There was no escaping the gawking and whispering. Young women were leaving their families to sit in the front row for the first time ever. The show was about to begin!
After some anno
