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

Wednesday 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 meeting, 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
slight hesitation, “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 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 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 making you a better person; chances are it
will rub off on others and help others in your world to become better
people, too.
​
Intentionally,
Kim-Evinda