I went to dinner tonight after church with Jill and Newby, and as is my normal behavior I had a little friendly banter with our waitress, Tammy*. Tonight turned out to be a little different than usual, however. What at first turned out to be some enjoyable joking turned quickly into a more important conversation. It all started with us joking about her being cynical and of course I shared that I tended to be as well. The tone changed upon me sharing that I was a Christian to which I got a very candid response from her. Tammy began to share with us how she basically thinks there is "nothing good" in the world. She came from a bad home life and used to attend church but she doesn't anymore and in fact doesn't even believe in God. She was very open with us that she thinks that the world is evil and that it starts with our government and it trickles down even into churches and to individuals.
As our conversation went on, I found my heart going out to her because in a lot of ways I could hear some of my thoughts and feelings in what she was saying, with one major difference--my hope comes in Jesus Christ. If you know me, then you'll know that cynicism is something I constantly struggle with. I can oftentimes catch myself looking at the world as if it is nothing but evil, but I realize that this is only my attitude. God is good. Because of this there are good things in this world. Of course there are evil things in the world and even the church but it's not such an absolute as I sometimes think. As I talked with Tammy I felt helpless to reach out to her and share this hope with her. All I could do was simply let her know that she was welcome at MRCC anytime and that she could contact me if she ever needed anything. I also told her that I would pray for her (which is really the best thing I can do). I honestly have no idea if she will ever come or will ever contact me but my prayer is that she will see the need for God in her life and can find the peace that comes from a relationship with our Savior. Please pray that Tammy will find God's peace and will seek help if needed.
*Name has been changed to protect the secret identity of said waitress
3 comments:
I think when we decide that we have all the answers is when people don't want to listen. I have found more effectiveness by being me. What is that? Simple, "when I am weak, I am strong." Your wisdom of prayer is the best you can have. As for your cynicism, I hope you don't lose it completely, it makes itself into humor. R
PS Come see your adopted niece and nephew, because children have a wonderful way of cementing hope!
Matt, I can understand your difficulties, though I'm coming from the opposite end of the spectrum. Most of the time, I bug a lot of people because I insist on seeing the positive in every situation. (Eternal Optimist Woman! dah dah dah daaaaahhhhhh....) When, at times, I do become cynical, I cover it up with plenty of sarcasm so most people don't notice. Bad form, I know.
In a way, I can't help but think Tammy's on the right track, at least based on what you wrote about her. The world is Satan's domain, and that's a fact even we Eternal Optimists must accept. Left to their own devices, humans usually will go the wrong direction. Tammy is right about that.
But that is exactly why we all need God so very much. And that's why he reveals himself to us in little ways, so that we will know to look for him. That's why he revealed himself to Tammy through you, Matt, so that she would know that there's a greater good to focus on instead of being overwhelmed by Satan's influences.
Thanks for sharing. :o)
Hey Matta Gambilla, I would have to say ditto with Court's words. I'm so happy to hear that God is actively working through you to reach out to others. In a way, it seems he sent Tammy to you in order to help you too. I pray that she will call you or come to MRCC one day!! Glad you shared!!! love you, Frau
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