Comments on: Painting, judgment, and prayer at the mall

By: Hey, Mrs. Wilson! » NaBloPoMo Day 4: A new day, a new president

Hey, Mrs. Wilson! » NaBloPoMo Day 4: A new day, a new president — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:34:05 +0000

[...] Actually posted recently of her experience at her local pottery painting studio. There was a mom who was being less than patient with her uncooperative small children and was [...]

By: Mrs. Wilson

Mrs. Wilson — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:16:41 +0000

AMAZING our God is! Thank you for sharing so openly and honestly! It’s a blessing when others can read of the work of God!

By: BeachMama

BeachMama — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 23:51:19 +0000

That is beautiful Bethany. So many times we all judge even though we know we shouldn’t do it. I do believe in the power of prayer and how sometimes it is instantaneous and other times it takes a while. I am glad you were there to pray for them that day.

And here is a little story from me on the same subject. I have a friend that quite often yells (and I mean yells) at her kids in public. And she was commenting on a particular person always seeing her do this (not me). So I said, “Next time you are about to yell at the kids in public, stop and think of her and perhaps you won’t have to do it?!” Her reply, what”great idea!!” thinking of course that this person wouldn’t catch her, not that perhaps her kids would behave better if she was not always yelling at them in public.

By: MissCaron

MissCaron — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 01:50:02 +0000

AMEN! Great post!

By: Heather

Heather — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:47:05 +0000

Yes….that is all, just yes.

By: She Likes Purple

She Likes Purple — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 23:53:08 +0000

I love this–praying instead of judging, sending out positivity instead of scowling behind the wrong-doer’s back. This is inspirational, really.

And a kind word, look, vibe can sometimes make all the difference in the life of a stranger.

Thanks for the reminder.

By: One Scrappy Gal

One Scrappy Gal — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 23:38:24 +0000

I think all people to a certain extent are judgemental. It’s ingrained in us and we can’t help ourselves. It’s human nature. But I think what matters most is, that when we find ourselves judging others, that we stop. Or at the very least, try to be sympathetic and see if from the other’s point of view. Nobody is perfect and noone is better than anyone else. We are all just trying to survive and I cannot stand those sanctimonious people on their high posts who think their toilet offerings don’t stink.

I am not a religious person by any means. I have had a crisis of faith for a long time now. But what most people call “praying” I call “hoping.” Hoping for one to find their way. Hoping that the situation gets better for another. Hoping for peace and love for the entire world. You are such a beautiful soul Bethany, and I think it’s lovely that you said a little prayer for this harried mom. You have a beautiful heart.

By: bethany v

bethany v — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:58:13 +0000

Thanks for that, what a great reminder. So glad you shared. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen such an immediate answer, but boy does it grip you! I had a very frugal christmas one year and was headed to my aunt/uncles but hadn’t found the right gift for them, at $10 or less, and was a bit despairing of the candle I’d bought them. In the airport, a woman hurrying past thew a bag with a box in it at my feet. I thought she’d dropped it, ran to give it back after chasing her a ways, and she motioned me and the bag away with an angry gesture. I reluctantly opened it to find a card addressed to Dad and Mom, and a gift. The gift was an expensive holiday plate from a famous designer that my aunt absolutely loved and had been wanting. Could God be any more obvious?! Seeing his hand in such and obvious way reminds me of all the times it’s not so obvious too. But always there :).

By: bethany actually

bethany actually — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:57:15 +0000

Thank you, everyone—and you’re welcome. I am glad what I wrote spoke to you in some way.

By: ~moe~

~moe~ — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 02:41:39 +0000

I, too, am tearing up while reading this. Your last paragraph is a great reminder for every one. I needed that today. Thanks.