Is there someone out there trying to convince you that your worth is based on what they say it is?
It’s not always pleasant when God sends you a teacher. Last week, at a time when I least expected it, a hostile person entered my world. It happened one afternoon as I placed a scheduled follow-up phone call with a woman who had attended one of my recent programs. She had requested this private consultation, which is something I generously offer at no charge to anyone who attends a program or wants to inquire about EFT, self-care processes or coaching services. I placed the call with the same intention I always set – to listen, be open-minded, and to be helpful.
Little did I know that as soon as this woman answered the phone that I would indeed be listening to an ear-full of what I can only describe as a “fire and brimstone” sermon. It began with her disappointment that I would dare ruin my book by adding a discussion of my faith and spirituality to otherwise good suggestions about physical health and wellness. She quoted scripture extensively and warned that Satan had lured me into treacherous territory and eternal damnation to hell. As I listened to her judge and criticize me, I could not help but feel deeply hurt. There was no sense arguing or trying to change her mind. I chose to let her go on in hope that she would eventually run out of hateful things to say. As she quoted the Bible over and over again, it was hard to imagine that Jesus would choose these words to address me.
After about 12 minutes, she finally paused to catch her breath. It was my opportunity to respond. I simply replied, “I am sorry that you feel this way. It was never my intention to upset you. I cannot change what is written in my book because it is my truth. It would probably be best if we ended this call now. I wish you well and believe you and I will meet someday in heaven.”
The call ended and I was left feeling shaken. As I worked to settle my feelings during the next few days, I found a book with a message that spoke to the situation well – Resolved by Orrin Woodward. In Chapter 2 of the book, the reader is urged to always choose CHARACTER over REPUTATION whenever the two are in conflict. Character is who you are, while reputation is what others say you are.
You quickly realize how comfy it feels when character and reputation are in alignment. That phone call had flung me into just that kind of conflict the book described! I was prompted to remember that my book honors who I am as a spiritual person who believes spirituality is part of healthy, balanced living. Even if her definition of spirituality differs greatly from mine, I can find peace through the God I know and love. My own inner truth can set me free.
Maybe that women felt she was doing me a favor. By trying to change me with her words, she actually helped me to better understand and respect my own truth.
If there is a conflict between your character and reputation, always choose character and you will regain your balance and peace.
