When wanting to right a wrong, there’s cause for a pause

Wednesday’s Word

Baffled beyond words, I listened to the nurse mimic my words to her staff as though I couldn’t hear her. “She says, ‘It’s on the books; well it’s not in my book!’” The phone finally disconnected on the other end and I sat there stunned, so stunned I had to pause.
​
Have you ever experienced a moment where you’re like “Oh no, they didn’t”? Thanks for joining us today for Wednesday’s Word with Kim-Evinda and Trench Classes United. Today she shares such a moment as this and equips us with what to do in those moments. May our first Wednesday’s Word of the New Year cause you to pause.

​
The dictionary definition for “pause” is “to stop temporarily in speech and/or action.”

I couldn’t pause too long as I was just starting a Zoom meeting. Unfortunately my attendee heard the conversation and we both just shook our heads, and I shook it off for the duration, but when my meeting was finished, I knew what I had to do.

I dialed my doctor’s office and another familiar voice answered; I thought it was her at first but then realized it wasn’t. I asked for her and then in an effort to explain why I was calling, I explained the situation from my perspective, first owning that I wasn’t sure if it was my tone, or my words, but to hear her mimic me when she thought we had hung up was very hurtful and I wanted to straighten it out. The nurse on the other end assured me she’d have her call me back.
It didn’t take long and as soon as she identified herself, I started to explain that I wasn’t sure if I had done something to offend her, or if I had used a harsh tone or what, but I had heard her mimicking me. Her response surprised me:

“I shouldn’t have done that or said that and I’m so sorry.”

There was a pause, “but you did come at me a little strong.”

“That’s fair,” I exclaimed. I’m so sorry; it’s not my intent. I’m not making excuses for that, it’s something I need to work on. I’m just juggling a bit right now and tired of not feeling well for more than three months and just want answers. So please forgive me and I’ll be sure and pause in order to express myself more appropriately.

We talked about the pressures this pandemic had placed on all of us and were on mutual communication wavelengths. And then she said something else that surprised me:

“I’m so glad you called; it takes a brave person to do what you did and I’m so thankful. If you need anything, you have my name now, call me and I’ll take care of you.”

I was so grateful that I was able to own it so I could disown it, but if I had not paused, I would have kept it inside, allowed it to fester and interfere with not only that relationship, but all of the relationships I have with my doctor’s staff. It just felt so good to resolve it so well.

Friend, can I encourage you in this new year, pray about a word that God would have you practice to make you a better person; chances are it will rub off on others and help others in your world to become better people, too.

Reflectively,
Kim-Evinda

---