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ladybugs
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| Posted: Aug 02 2006 at 9:12pm | IP Logged
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Oh my...I'm shaking.
I went to the grocery store - I was alone - and was just planning on buying food.
As I was walking around, I noticed two women. One was an older woman (70+?) and when I saw her I thought to myself, "Wow, she looks like a scared child. Oh, how God loves us!" And when I saw the younger of the women - who was probably mid - 40's - 50's, I thought, "Oh, how nice, she's shopping with her daughter. Oh I wonder if my girls will shop with me when they're older." (Her daugher looked high-schoolish).
Anyway, I got in line to purchase. The woman with the daughter got in line behind me. For some reason, the lines tonight were TOTALLY long and this is a grocery store who is known for their customer service! There was a woman in front of me and somehow the older woman, whom I had noticed earlier, "cut" in front of the woman in front of me. While I realize that all of our time is precious, I didn't have a problem letting the poor thing go ahead. She said she was sick and truthfully, she looked it! The woman behind me showed NO mercy. NONE. The woman in front of me got the store manager who took care of the elder woman. I told the woman behind me that I would hope that when I'm older people would be merciful to me. She wouldn't have any of it. She persisted, "My mother is 74 years old and she would never do that. Where are her children? Why didn't she come earlier?" I replied, "Maybe she has no one. Maybe she didn't feel better until now. We just don't know. Showing mercy would not be a bad thing."
Then I paused and looked around her neck. Everything happened so fast. I then said, "I mean, you are wearing a cross."
This is how I make friends.
Anyway, her daughter was shocked that I said it and frankly, so was I. I'm still shaking.
When I finished my transaction I went to them and wished them well as before this I had been making small talk with them.
I then left.
I'm so sad and I'm still shaking.
Did I do the right thing?
__________________
Love and God Bless,
Maria P
My etsy store - all proceeds go to help my fencing daughters!
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shartlesville
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Joined: June 21 2006
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| Posted: Aug 02 2006 at 9:22pm | IP Logged
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I think you gave them something to think about and if they do they will realize you were right. 
Blessings,
Krisann
__________________
Krisann
DH Cris;
DC John, Elizabeth, Lilyann ^i^, Emily, Kate, Julia, Sam, & Jack;
DGC Kira, Auston, Travis, & Sarah.
My Blog: Isla del Esperanza
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Donna Marie
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| Posted: Aug 02 2006 at 9:34pm | IP Logged
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 Maria!
FWIW i think you did the honorable thing. If you mentioned my cross, I might not admit it at that moment, but I would realize that I would need to rethink my actions...even if you just gave her a pause, it is worth it.
As far as older persons shopping, we really do not know their circumstances. I know someone (a bit too well) that would give any older person a hard time for not going first thing in the morning(without any other conflicting issues). She seems to think it is the right and only thing for an older person to do. SIGH!
God Bless you!!
Donna Marie from NJ
hs momma to 7dc
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God love you!
Donna Marie from NJ
hs momma to 9dc!!
Finding Elegant Simplicity
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teachingmyown
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| Posted: Aug 02 2006 at 9:36pm | IP Logged
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Maria,
You did the right thing! Now, if you had the chance to plan your response ahead of time, maybe you would have been calmer and more eloquent.  But, in the circumstances, I think any of us would have been frustrated and shocked at such callousness.
You go, girl! 
__________________
In Christ,
Molly
wife to Court & mom to ds '91, dd '96, ds '97, dds '99, '01, '03, '06, and dss '07 and 01/20/11
Remembering Today
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lapazfarm
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Joined: July 21 2005
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| Posted: Aug 02 2006 at 9:37pm | IP Logged
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You are very brave. 
__________________
Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
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rm4mrfrus
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| Posted: Aug 02 2006 at 9:51pm | IP Logged
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I hope that someone like you is standing behind me when *I* am a sick old lady cutting in line to get medicine at the grocery store! 
__________________
Hollee married to dh in 94,
ds(96), dd(97), ds(00), ds(02), ds(03) and dd(05)
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Natalia
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| Posted: Aug 02 2006 at 10:27pm | IP Logged
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I hope you made them think. I hope the daughter takes the cue from you. I wonder what kind of conversation they had on the way home...
Well Done!!
Natalia
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guitarnan
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| Posted: Aug 02 2006 at 10:56pm | IP Logged
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Maria,
I can tell that you saw Jesus in all of these people, and that you felt moved to help the older lady and to explain your actions afterward.
We who wear the Cross of Jesus as a reminder of all He did for us might need, on occasion, a small hint so that we recall all that the Cross really stands for.
I think you did the right thing, from start to finish. Sometimes older people do take advantage of their age and "cut" in line, but most older people I know don't do this. The woman you encountered undoubtedly had a very good reason for cutting in front of the line. I'm glad the management staff were able to help her.
I think the woman behind you will spend the rest of the week wondering if she needs to think about her priorities.
Sometimes the Holy Spirit moves us to do or say things beyond what we think we're able to do or say. Perhaps today was your day. I always tell friends that we never know who needs our help, who needs our words or prayers...I'd imagine that you brought some much needed perspective into more than one life today.
Your Guardian Angel was there, too, looking out for you, so don't fear any harm from this occasion. Ask your Angel to pray with and for you, because you're clearly called to share your fear of the Lord with others.
This is a very good thing. So often, we're afraid to tell people of our own worries and weaknesses. Perhaps the lady who was wearing the Cross necklace is scared that her own kids will abandon her. Now, we can all pray for her and for the older lady you met today!
Thank you for sharing this story. I know my own mother fears abandonment in her declining years (silly, but true) and that she would have appreciated a kind word in a similar situation.
You're really doing unto others...thank you.
__________________
Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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kristina
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| Posted: Aug 03 2006 at 8:59am | IP Logged
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Dear Maria,
I applaud you for your witness! You said what was on your heart and hopefully your words will be pondered by those who heard.
God bless you and your dear ones!
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kristina
yesterthoughts
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jdostalik
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| Posted: Aug 03 2006 at 9:23am | IP Logged
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Maria,
It is a blessing that there are people like you in the world to help those who cannot help themselves...I think you did great!!
__________________
God Bless,
Jennifer in TX
wife to Bill, mom to six here on earth and eight in heaven.
Let the Little Ones Come
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ladybugs
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| Posted: Aug 03 2006 at 10:59am | IP Logged
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Thanks everyone!
I've calmed down and I really believe the Holy Spirit was at work.
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Love and God Bless,
Maria P
My etsy store - all proceeds go to help my fencing daughters!
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Alice R
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| Posted: Aug 03 2006 at 11:19am | IP Logged
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I think you were 100% correct.
If a person wears a cross-then they are making an outward profession that they are a Christian and therefore, following Jesus.
You simply stated the obvious. SHE put the cross around her neck to tell everyone that SHE is a Christian. You didn't say or do anything inappropriate. Don't feel bad about calling her on it.
Hey, when you "put it out there" you have to be prepared that people might actually comment on it.
I think you did a great job and probably gave her a life changing experience. Good for you.
Blessings,
Alice
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: I just got into it at the grocery store
