A few years back, on my way to becoming a better Christian, I realized I was a bitter, judgmental, critical and angered woman. For years I had watched Christians hurt one another, yet expecting the very people they have hurt to give them respect and obedience. Having watched this for 8 years, I wanted nothing to do with God. I could not stand injustices and the ways people trample over others. However, my life was never mine to begin with. I asked God to be my father at the age of 16. For two years, I saw no change in who I was. I was still bitter, judgmental and angry. Went through anger management and finally felt ready at 18. I worked hard at how i saw other people’s attitudes and how i responded to them. It was not a sweet ride, but over the last 7 years, God has been teaching me more about who I was, am and the person I should be in him. The results of who I have become in the last 7 years came to pass on Saturday 5th July.

I was collecting food in front of TESCO on behalf of Bradford Central Foodbank. As people streamed in and we gave them leaflets, some people showed interest, others just grabbed the leaflets as they quickly walked passed, some said “not interested” and others said “I gave in London” and others surprised you with anger over how a donations box was taken away and it made them really cross. When they came back out with their shopping, they will look at you to see if you noticed them, especially those who did not buy anything to donate. Others came out and remembered, so they would donate money instead and others came out with one or two of the items that was on the leaflet. Yet again, others gave bags of food that just blew you away. At the time, I just smiled, thank those who gave, acknowledge those who had taken the leaflet yet bought nothing and said goodbye to others. 

When I first came on the scene and was rejected the first time i extended my hand with a leaflet, I felt hurt. I took it personally and just asked myself as to why would you not even take a leaflet. I had a downcast moment and didn’t know what to do if they kept rejecting my leaflets. I said a little prayer and had a sense of peace. Instead of thinking they were just selfish, I began telling myself not to be angry at them or be judgmental for i don’t know how life at home is for them. I have watched people come into Foodbank, and couldn’t believe that this person need food. However, when they start sharing about their situation, you realize how much we often judge a book by its cover. Back to TESCO. 

I told myself i was going to be happy, accepting the people’s decisions and being the me that i have become. Children came along smiling, which made my day. People came that spoke no English yet were interested, so i was stuck with language barrier not knowing how to explain to them what we were doing. So we just smiled at each other and nodded our heads in acknowledgement. A few business men came in, but refused to take the leaflets and I unconsciously asked myself if they have never been in a bad situation. However, I didn’t push them or anything, but I kept praying that people will be moved.

Monday at work, we reflected on the weekend’s work. I realized that everyone that volunteered on the weekend, had the same experience. Having people say no, yes, walk away or avoided the entrance that we were standing at. Our Coordinator simply asked about our attitudes towards these people. Provoking me to reflect on my attitudes towards their attitudes, enabled me to see how much i grew in 7 years. When things seemed a little blurry at the beginning, I ran to the one person that could make me see clearer. God gave me a sense of peace and wisdom to pray for the hearts and souls that came in. 

We were reminded in Colossians 3:23 that: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Our attitudes at work, should represent Christ. We should serve people, because it is our purpose for the job we have. We shouldn’t serve because we want others to see, but because we are doing it for God. I made a decision to smile, dance and encourage people’s day even if they were not willing to give. I put myself in their shoes. I rejoiced when people donated food, and I prayed for those who didn’t. In all honesty, I would have preferred to play with the little girls and boys that came through. They were more exciting, but i had a job to do and that was encourage people to give.

How do you respond to people with difficult attitudes?