My oh my.
Today I had a moment while calling to set an appointment with a specialist for my soon to be 14 year old. The receptionist making the appointment asked me did I have Medicaid. Jesus. I found myself offended.
Do I sound black?
Did you ask me that because I sound black?
Why in the world do you think I have Medicaid?
Being someone who fought hard to get off of Medicaid (praise God for it because it is a blessing in a season of need), I was frustrated being asked that question.
But instead of calling her back and asking her why she asked me that, I decided to talk to God instead.
Here’s what I asked him:
- Why did that offend me?
- Does her view of me make me question myself?
- Could that be protocol?
- Why are you trippin?
He took me to Proverbs 18:
“It’s selfish and stupid to think only of yourself and to sneer at people who have sense. Fools have no desire to learn, instead they would rather give their own opinion. Wrongdoing leads to shame and disgrace. Words of wisdom are a stream that flows from a deep fountain. It’s wrong to favor the guilty and keep the innocent from getting justice. Foolish talk will get you into a lot of trouble. Saying foolish things is like setting a trap to destroy yourself. There’s nothing so delicious as the taste of gossip! It melts in your mouth. Being lazy is no different from being a troublemaker. The Lord is a mighty tower where his people can run for safety— the rich think their money is a wall of protection. Pride leads to destruction; humility leads to honor. It’s stupid and embarrassing to give an answer before you listen. Being cheerful helps when you are sick, but nothing helps when you give up. Everyone with good sense wants to learn. A gift will get you in to see anyone. You may think you have won your case in court, until your opponent speaks. Drawing straws is one way to settle a difficult case. Making up with a friend you have offended is harder than breaking through a city wall. Make your words good— you will be glad you did. Words can bring death or life! Talk too much, and you will eat everything you say. A man’s greatest treasure is his wife— she is a gift from the Lord. The poor must beg for help, but the rich can give a harsh reply. Some friends don’t help, but a true friend is closer than your own family.” Proverbs 18:1-24 CEV
What I got from this is it really doesn’t matter what she thinks of me, it really matters what I think of myself. I am a child of God and my response matters as I desire to build God’s Kingdom here on Earth.
So that’s exactly what I’m going to do. Sometimes you need to surprise yourself and surprise others by replying like Jesus would instead of how (insert your name) would.
I choose to see my cup as half full and with a half full cup I’m proud to say that I graduated from Medicaid over 10 years ago. As someone who’s made over a million dollars, I’m mindful when I meet people on how I treat them. You cannot judge people by their current story because their current situation may not necessarily be where they’re going.
That’s a word for you too my friend. Stop judging yourself on where you are because 10 years from now you may not even recognize who you are now as God continues to make you brand new.
& that my friend is freedom. Grateful.
Book suggestion: Unoffendable by Brant Hansen
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