For those who aren't familiar with these stories, Fran is a young widow with two school-aged children, who has a job in a marketing organization. We've been following her story since she went back to work after her husband's untimely death, and several years have passed. She has found a good friend where she works, Louise, who is a strong Christian, and their friendship has become very close and supportive. It is a blessing in Fran’s life.

She and Louise are account reps with good track records and success. Their hard work and honesty have paid off, and they are respected by their management and coworkers. This Thursday morning Fran is really excited for Louise because she expects Louise will be awarded a big new national account. She's the right person for that account, and their manager, Marilyn, has indicated she recommended her. The final decision is to be made today, so it's been hard for Fran to stay focused.

The phone rings just about lunchtime, and it's Andy, a friend in the art department. "Hi, Fran," Andy says, "just wanted to tell you how sorry I am for Louise."

"What do you mean, Andy?" Fran asks with a lump in her throat.

"Oh, no, you haven't heard! Oh, I'm sorry. Louise didn't get the new account; it went to Lloyd."

"Lloyd? Why Lloyd?" Fran asks in bewilderment. "Lloyd isn't nearly as qualified as Louise, and Marilyn told Louise. . ."

"I know, I know," Andy says, "nobody knows why Lloyd got it instead of Louise. I just feel so bad for her."

"Thanks for letting me know, Andy," Fran says. "I need to find Louise. Talk to you later."

She hangs up and dials Louise's number, no answer. Her office is up on the next floor, but she just can't sit still and wait any longer. So, she heads for her office, taking the shortcut up the stairwell. As she's going up, Louise is coming down.

"Oh, Louise," Fran says, "I was headed for your office. Andy just told me. . ."

"Yeah, can you believe it?” Louise looks at her with a slight grin. "Marilyn told me Lloyd was selected because of his quote 'experience with entertaining large national accounts.'"

"What did she mean?" Fran asks.

"Oh, I think it's clear; somebody decided I wouldn't be willing to wine and dine this client as they expect to be," Louise replies.

"You mean because you're a Christian and they know you don't do the ‘party-thing’?" Fran replies. "Louise, that's discrimination. Didn't you protest to Marilyn?"

"Look, she feels as badly about it as I do," Louise says, "so I'm not going to hassle her, Fran."

"You mean, you're not going to fight this, Louise?” Fran can't believe her ears.

"No, I prayed about it, and I have to trust God and let it go," Louise tells her.

"But Louise, this is a matter of principle. It's wrong for the company to discriminate against you because of your convictions," Fran says. "You're just letting them get by with inappropriate—and might I add—illegal behavior. It's not right!"

"Well, Fran, I have to do what I think is right, and this is one of those 'turn the other cheek' times. I can't prove they've discriminated against me, and even if I could, it would not be a good testimony for me to start demanding my rights," Louise replies. "The company has basically been good to me, Fran, and I just have to deal with this disappointment."

"But Louise, not only is this wrong for you, but it’s also wrong for the company," Fran argues. "You're much better at your job than Lloyd is; you'd do a much better job for that client."

"Fran," Louise says, "please, don't take this so hard. I really appreciate your concern for me, but I just don't believe this is a matter over which I should raise an issue. The Lord just keeps telling me to let it go, Fran, so that's what I have to do."

Tears come to Fran's eyes and start down her cheeks as she stands in the stairwell with Louise. She tries to cover up but Louise notices. More than anything, they are tears of anger because of this unfair thing that has h...