The Salesman

I’ll never forget the first time we visited my husband’s favorite clothing store in Oakland. No one wanted to wait on us. We were the minority and the workers made it very clear we were not welcome. How sad as I learned later most of these people are Christians. Anyway, one older man did finally speak to us and was helping my husband with a hat. He and I got into a rather heated discussion. He was talking about how his people are discriminated against and how hard it is. I explained to him that this type of thing happens to everyone. He stopped, stared at me like I was nuts, then dismissed my comments thinking I misunderstood him. He continued with his stories and I said again, I deal with discrimination all the time, have for years. Even in the church! And, when we visit any churches back east we have to deal with this type of treatment. Its ugly and it hurts so bad on my insides. He was in utter amazement at my statements. Then I asked him, “Why are you angry with me? Have I treated you badly? No. Is it because of slavery? Were you there? No. Was I there? No. So why are you mad at me when I did nothing to you?” Believe it or not by the time my husband's shopping spree was over this man and I were friends, laughing and talking the rest of the time. It was truly amazing. For the record, I believe slavery came to be by the Europeans who purchase people, then sold them to the American’s who then set them free. Let’s get past this and love one another as God commanded so we can receive His blessings and be in line with His Word. Prejudice CAN keep you from God’s blessings. We HAVE TO walk in love. Can we love one another?