How To Appear Wise and Insightful
by Su Elliott
There was a lady whom I spent time with a year or so ago. I made a vow to myself never to bring up the topic of religion with her. She knew I was a Christian and had openly told me of her antipathy to Christianity and being preached at. She made it clear that she enjoyed my conversation but did not want to talk about religion. So why is it that it came up in every conversation? I didn’t bring it up. I mostly listened. And when I did talk, I just told stories from my life with no commentary. It was very difficult for me not to respond to the many ‘openings’ in the conversation, to all the provocative things she said that almost demanded I speak up for God, but I was determined to keep my vow. But once she knew she was going to be listened to, then she apparently felt safe and she really did want to talk about God.
In fact, she told me every time we got together that she just loved talking to me, that it opened her mind to new ideas, that I was so intelligent and thoughtful, that it was a surprising thing to her to find this in a Christian.
ROFL! Evangelism can be so easy! Just don’t talk and suddenly you’re wise and insightful. That’s a joke that will never get old.
May 29th, 2009 · 5 Comments
Categories: OA Stories
April said
am May 31 2009 @ 4:24 pm
Su, I am laughing with you…I am always amazed that my faith is exhibited more by what I don’t say than by what I do say. I have found that people are incredibly open about topics of faith, but they are expecting Christians to use the bible as a weapon.
Carrie said
am June 17 2009 @ 2:14 am
Hooray for the power of listening. and the power of NOT preaching.
~ Cheri said
am June 17 2009 @ 12:50 pm
Way to go, Su.
This reinforces the saying “People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.”
I guess this is what has been happening with a girl I work with once a week. At first she treated me almost with disdain because I was the “new girl.” But after a year of working with me once a week and me listening to her and expressing concern for the troubles she has and rejoicing with her over the good times and mostly just listening, her attitude toward me has changed. She seems glad to work with me and to see me when I stop in on my days off and seems eager to share with me what is going on in her life.
She tends to be a complainer and most of the other girls don’t always like to work with her. I felt that way at first too, but after months of praying for her, God has really given me a love for her. He changed my heart which is always awesome. I know that Jesus will make a tremendous difference in her life too and I look forward to the day when she is open to hearing about Him.
Keep up the good listening, Su.
Jeff Medders said
am June 17 2009 @ 5:28 pm
Here’s to listening. This kind of kindness always gets an audience.
Sue Striker said
am June 19 2009 @ 5:12 pm
Cyber-applause!
Love this OA of the month challenge. It sounds great–but will be much harder to implement.
Suspect I may resort to giving my advice to the dog! As long as it keeps me quiet with people,right?