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No thank you, I am not interested |
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Posted By: singleinthecity
People who want to sell you things
Last week in our women's bible study the subject of people who want to sell you things came up. In France, where I live, you have to put up with your phone ringing around dinner time (unless you put your number on a restricted list or flat out un-list it) and believe me, they do not take a simple "no" for an answer. Before I did go ahead and put my number on the list, this was a constant source of frustration to me. I would start out friendly and polite but my mood - and my politeness would quickly evaporate after I had said "no thank you I am not interested" for the third time. Patience is one of the fruits of the sprit I am still struggling with - a lot! Anyway - I no longer have to deal with the phone calls, but unfortunately they also come by and ring on your door. This has happened not only as I am in the middle of dinner - but I remember one time very clearly when I had just taken my contact out of my eye and the door bell rang... someone who wanted me to sign up for monthly books... At least I got out of that one as the person said "Now if you would just read this" and I showed him the contact in my hand and said that I unfortunately couldn't see anything right then - much less read so if he'd just be so kind and excuse me... I'd be happy to listen to him another time!
Anyway that is a bit of background to my posting today. I have to admit I don't feel very Christ-like as I answer these calls, or the door, I am not proud of it, but it's true.
The subject came up last week in women's bible study. There are four of us and our teacher. Three of us are pretty normal, imperfect women, with shortcomings we are well aware of. The fourth is a lot more saintly than the rest of us. She wouldn't agree - but she is. She is really an example to me and this time was no different from the others.
As we were discussing these calls and visits she was telling us about how she had invited a young woman who came to sell her books in, started talking to her and ended the visit by giving her a gift-wrapped bible she just happened to have. She basically said "No, I don't want to buy any books, but I will give you one". Not something I would have thought of. I wish I had, but no.
So, as the three of us sat and tried to digest this, one of us said something about not being that kind, and usually just feeling so frustrated that she ended up not being very polite. No, it wasn't me though it was certainly true for me as well.
My saintly friend answered: Well, sometimes I feel like that too... but, I was thinking... what if this person shows up as a visitor in church and I have slammed the door in her face?
I just hope I still remember her response next time someone comes around.
I am overjoyed by the number of people who actually view my postings. Please, please, please don't hesitate to comment on them (I am thrilled with your comments too!) and as I am new I am very much still looking for new friends... so if I seem like someone you would like to know better and share your "God sightings" with... well, here I am!
Have a blessed day!
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Posted: 05/12/08 11:17pm - Total Views: 179 - Category: Christian Literature
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Women's Bible Study,
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Blog Tags: bible,
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calls,
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allforhim |
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Posted by:
allforhim
(Posted: 05/13/08 3:38am)
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Yes, I know all to well the irritations of solicitors. Very few make the long trek up our driveway, so I rarely have to deal with that. I have caller ID so I simply don't answer the phone, and I have learned to not engage, I just say "I am sorry, I am not interested" don't wait for a response but hang up. Now you really make me think, of course, the chances of me ever seeing these people at the other end of the phone line, is what 1 and three hundred billion maybe? But perhaps I could use it as a witness opportunity? Hmmmm. Thanks for making me think! Blessings! Andrea
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savedbyegrace |
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Posted by:
savedbyegrace
(Posted: 05/13/08 4:17am)
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Our youth pastor always tells the sales people that call or visit, "I'll listen to what you have to say with an open mind, if you'll first answer this question. If you were to die today, what will you say when Jesus asks you, why should I let you into my heaven?"
Makes me ashamed that I hang up on them, as Andrea said. I listen long enough to know it's a sales all, then I graciously say, I am not interested, thank you so very much for your time. Then I hang up without waiting for them to respond.
Great post, thanks for the conviction.
Gracie
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mistletoe |
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Posted by:
mistletoe 
(Posted: 05/13/08 10:38am)
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I have to say that sales people use to annoy me. I find though, that now most of them leave me alone. I have developed a system of dealing with annoying people, I just stare at them. I don't respond I just stare. It is something I learned in dog training. "I'm the leader" look works almost 90 percent of the time. Usually I don't have to say no more than once. That being said, I have to say your friends idea was great. I have never considered that before. As an opportunity instead of an annoyance. Great idea. Thanks for sharing.
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Nickname: singleinthecity
Gender: Female
Age: 37
Blog Entries: 14
Blog Comments: 3
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Member Biography |
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First and foremost I am a Christian.
I am by worldly definitions a 37-year old, single, Swedish citizen who lives in France, but works in Switzerland for an American company - after spending 10 years in Taiwan.
I like to call myself international though some of my friends think I'm...
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