Death And Life In The Power Of The Tongue
I raced to answer the phone. I didn't recognize the phone number, but said hello anyway.
A rushed, loud voice on the other end introduced himself as calling on behalf of one of our local rescue departments. It's a group we have supported financially in the past, and were on their call list. I knew immediately that he was calling to ask for donations to this year's drive.
Unfortunately I also knew that we couldn't afford to give this year. All of these thoughts were going through my head as the caller rattled off his written-out script. He took no breaths and allowed me no time to get a word in.
Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Ephesians 5:6
As he finally wound down, he asked if this large amount of money - larger than we had ever given - would be acceptable to sign us up for. With the most polite voice I know how to muster I said, I'm sorry but we're not able to afford a donation this time. But please keep us on the calling list for next year.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14
You could hear him scanning through he prepared piece and he continued on. Well then, there were other options, so would we like to give this slightly smaller amount instead?
Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him. Proverbs 29:20
With a deep breath and all the patience I had, I replied, I hate to repeat myself, but we're just not able to afford a donation this time. But please keep us on the calling list for next year.
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good it is! Proverbs 15:23
Without a moment's hesitation I heard I deep sigh and then, OK. Fine. And then a click. I had been hung up on by the caller who called me. He wanted my money, and when he knew he wasn't getting it, moved on to someone else. There was no thank you, I understand or have a nice day. He was done.
The heart of the righteous study to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. Proverbs 15:28
I pray from the bottom of my heart that I never speak to anyone the way this man spoke to me. I knew from the moment the conversation began that I was not important. He showed no respect for me, my money or my time. And then he laid our conversation aside as if it had never happened.
Even more unfortunately, this man also reflected poorly upon his organization. I appreciate this law enforcement group and will be glad to support them in the future. But now the memory of this poor conversation will always be connected to them.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs 18:21
A rushed, loud voice on the other end introduced himself as calling on behalf of one of our local rescue departments. It's a group we have supported financially in the past, and were on their call list. I knew immediately that he was calling to ask for donations to this year's drive.
Unfortunately I also knew that we couldn't afford to give this year. All of these thoughts were going through my head as the caller rattled off his written-out script. He took no breaths and allowed me no time to get a word in.
Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Ephesians 5:6
As he finally wound down, he asked if this large amount of money - larger than we had ever given - would be acceptable to sign us up for. With the most polite voice I know how to muster I said, I'm sorry but we're not able to afford a donation this time. But please keep us on the calling list for next year.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14
You could hear him scanning through he prepared piece and he continued on. Well then, there were other options, so would we like to give this slightly smaller amount instead?
Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him. Proverbs 29:20
With a deep breath and all the patience I had, I replied, I hate to repeat myself, but we're just not able to afford a donation this time. But please keep us on the calling list for next year.
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good it is! Proverbs 15:23
Without a moment's hesitation I heard I deep sigh and then, OK. Fine. And then a click. I had been hung up on by the caller who called me. He wanted my money, and when he knew he wasn't getting it, moved on to someone else. There was no thank you, I understand or have a nice day. He was done.
The heart of the righteous study to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. Proverbs 15:28
I pray from the bottom of my heart that I never speak to anyone the way this man spoke to me. I knew from the moment the conversation began that I was not important. He showed no respect for me, my money or my time. And then he laid our conversation aside as if it had never happened.
Even more unfortunately, this man also reflected poorly upon his organization. I appreciate this law enforcement group and will be glad to support them in the future. But now the memory of this poor conversation will always be connected to them.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs 18:21
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