I got called a harlot today.

Yep...that's right. I was called a harlot. For those that missed this paneradventure, here it is. 

Paneradventure in Walmart

I was minding my own business looking for excedrine when this interaction took place:

W: Honey, I want you to know that Jesus loves you very much.

Me: Oh…well, thank you.

W: No, I mean it…it’s something that you really need to know.

Me: Well, I do…so, thanks.

W: it’s just that…Jesus really loves the harlots of this world.

Me: Ummmm…did you just call me a harlot?

W: Sweetie, you have that harlot look to you.

Me: I’m not sure what a harlot look is, but…thank God Jesus loves all of us.

W: Amen! Have a good day!

Here's some of my reflections on what happened...

First--I have received righteous indignation on my behalf...this story made people angry... I, myself, was not offended. What doesn't come across incredibly well in black & white is that this woman did not come to me angry or bitter, but truly with compassion...she really wanted me to know that Jesus loves me. (Truthfully, I didn't know people actually still used to word harlot...apparently that's a thing?)

Second--I have been praised for being so kind... One could argue that posting this conversation on various social media outlets is not kind. (And I might not disagree with you...). Because I was not offended, I really did find this hilarious...as I was leaving the store, people must have thought I was a little crazy for cracking myself up...

Here's what my thoughts on the event known as "harlotgate" are...

This woman was doing what she was doing out of love. Yes, her method might be a little questionable...but she was telling me about a Jesus she has found to love her. I didn't ask her what her story was...I didn't ask how she came to love Jesus & want to tell others about him. My guess is that if I would have, I might understand this conversation a whole lot better. 

People like this make my job a lot harder. If she had said this to someone else, the outcome might have been very different. (and let's be honest...she probably has...).  To be labeled as something you're not can be detrimental & damaging to someone's faith journey. Please be careful of the words that you choose...please be careful of how you represent God...this is not to cause fear, but remember how you approach a person. Personally, I come from an understanding that everyone reflects the image of God & that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Grounding my conversation (hopefully) in these truths help me to enter into a conversation very differently. I also understand that everyone has a story of how they are who they are. You didn't just wake up one morning the person that you are...understanding people's stories helps to know who they are without applying your label to them. 

I have said to a few friends recently that I offer grace much more easily to people I might label more conservative or fundamentalist or Evangelical... Because I know that journey well.  I didn't always believe that nothing can separate us from God's love...I didn't always belive that people are created in the image of God...I didn't always believe it was important to know peoples' stories...I didn't always believe that God was a God of grace & forgiveness...I know the God that they might be referring to & I loved that God deeply...I might have had some of the same conversations that woman had with me today... In this journey, God did not change... But I did. And my understanding of who God is & how to share that message has changed dramatically over the years. It doesn't mean that I expect everyone to have the same experience that I did or that I assume I am "further along" than others (Not. True.)... 

What I will keep doing is this-- share the love of God with anyone I meet. In words or in actions...help to teach others to be mindful of what they say & do...keep encouraging others to share their faith & why they love God so much... I will also keep exploring to try & understand more & more why God loves a harlot like me.