Article June 17, 1996 Issue

Multiplying goodness, not anger

Lori Lee Robinson

I Hung up the phone feeling hated. I had never been spoken to the way this client had spoken to me, with such anger. It was only a four dollar error, and it wasn't even my fault. I had put so much effort into this sale. Was this my reward?

Even though I took care of her complaint, that did not solve the underlying problem. My feelings were hurt. I felt there was nothing I could do to redeem myself in this woman's eyes. I was so taken aback by this incident that I refused to do any business for several days. I had one more transaction to complete with the woman, but I did not want to face her.

Then a relative of this client assured me that it was in her nature to act like and that she deserved to be told off. That sent up a red flag to me. As a Christian Scientist, I had learned that man is truly the image and likeness of God. What I was accepting about this woman was not that likeness, not her true nature! I realized that I couldn't accept coarse behavior as being a part of this woman, because I would be defiling God by doing such a thing.

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