So I packed up the rest of the nativity, knelt and said a prayer, and walked to her house. She answered the door, saw who it was, and pulled out her "guns." She was ready for a fight. But as soon as I apologized for scaring her and handed her the rest of the nativity, she melted and told me her story.
Only a few days after they moved into the neighborhood, not that long ago, this family had stuff burned on their front yard, their house slimed with shaving cream, banners that said "Nigger, go home!" (pardon my language) and poop left on their doorstep. She said when my stuff showed up on her doorstep again, she thought it was a different approach from the same bigots who were trying to chase them from the neighborhood before. She was trying to protect her family, and she was truly scared.
While she told me her story, I could feel myself melting as well, and I lowered my own personal "guns." When I prayed to know what family to do the twelve days of Christmas to, I felt it should be them. When we were asked to not come anymore, I was confused and a little disappointed in myself for what I thought was misunderstanding the Spirit. But now I see, I didn't misunderstand. He knew exactly what would happen and he wanted her AND me to learn from this.
I left her house with both of us feeling much better about the situation, mutual respect for each other, and greater understanding. I am grateful that I was willing to apologize (even if for the wrong reasons???) and I am grateful for what I learned from this. Thanks for your comments, I have some pretty awesome friends!
3 comments:
What a happy resolution! And what a great reminder to that we never really know what goes on in someone else's head. I can only imagine how protective she must have felt of her grandkids and foster kids after everything she had already been through. You are such a great neighbor Sharon, I miss you and your smile! It took bravery to approach her with kindness and grace the way you did.
Sharon, I'm so glad this turned out positively for all! And that was a tough one! After reading your last blog I started wondering how I would feel if anonomous gifts started showing up on my porch every day and I have to be completely honest here, but I think I would feel a little freaked out. As if someone were "watching" me or my house or something... And I grew up in a world where random gifts of kindness and anonymity were accepted freely. So I can only imagine how someone who might have a mistrustful view of the world might react. It was all such a beautiful and selfless gesture on your family's part but honestly... I think we need to all help you come up with an alternate plan. I'll put my thinking cap on and let you know if I think of anything. lol It's just really sad what's happened to our world!
Thanks Jannet for your honesty. I have had a lot of hits on my blog since I wrote these last two posts, but very few comments and I can't help but wonder if the reason is most of my friends feel the same as you do. So I appreciate your honest opinion, that is what I was seeking. It never occurred to me that someone would be creeped out by this whole thing, and this has opened my eyes a little. I am going to find a different way for our family to give anonymously. Ideas are always mush appreciated!!!
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