I posted something to Face Book this morning and deleted it because, to borrow a phrase from a co-worker, “I didn’t want to rattle any egos.” However, something else circumvented that thought this evening that gave me great cause for concern and the impetus to repost it … with a new twist.
The intial post said: “I have taught my children, and continue to teach all my students and anyone else who care to listen, to be steadfast, sure-footed, immovable, rooted and grounded, always abounding in the things that are pure, proper, honest, and true… according to the purpose for which you have been called, chosen, or sent; because even though all things are possible through faith in Christ Jesus, not all things are expedient to bring about that purpose.” I am now amending that last phrase to say not all things are purposeful or expedient.
My post went on to define my day at work yesterday, wherein I walked into work with none of the three elevators servicing the office working, so I had to walk up four flights of stairs, just to be on par with my job. Not ten minutes after diving into the foray of assessing the issue and pausing to send a situational email to the respective members of my building management and general support services team, the fire alarm goes off…without any feedback from the fire command center…eventually the word came forth, “standby.” I then went into extensive details, but I will edit them out now and skip to the end of the tenure.
Consensus reached…All clear given, order returned, and I notified the respective parties of the facilities management team, before going back to the waiting area and addressing the clients…One client was concerned that we were “going to use that as an excuse to make people come back another day.” I assured him that’s not going to be the case. He said, “I’m going to hold you to that.” I said, “I have no problem with that. I’m Ms. Matthew, the office manager, it’s my job, so if you have any questions, just ask for me.”
Another client ventured to initiate a conversation, I said, “Not now…I just need all of you to understand that there is no problem here, but there is still a problem with the elevators, and I need to address that issue first so that I can give you an honest report.” He said, “What if they don’t work.” I said, “We’ll deal with that if and when we know that it’s a problem.”
Final report…only one elevator working, and there is a bum rush of clients and workers coming off of it with definite intent…clients are yelling at workers and workers are doing their best to maintain professionalism, accountability, and integrity.
In a noble attempt to abate the escalating situation, I stood in the middle of the floor and told all concerned…”The most important thing is that you are here…the next most important thing is that you have to be patient and understanding because we are all dealing with this crisis together, and you getting all ornery and bent out of shape isn’t going to help the situation any.”
Why did I rewrite the post after having deleted it? Because it is a true testimony of the me that I am and a constant reminder of why I do what I do like I do what I do, because the Bible says, “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you;” “Let your yeah be yeah, and your nay be nay.” because a man who puts his hand to the plough and drawback is not fit for the kingdom,” and it pains me to have unresolved issues and unfinished business.
If a relationship is to gainfully withstand the tests of time, troubles, trials, and tribulation, there has to be a true allegiance to your word and your understanding of what really matters, because when you are faced with commanding authority in a crisis, you want to be as certain about the outcome as you are about your intentions, and you don’t want anybody second-guessing your word, deeds or reasoning…resisting your authority, or putting their wit against your knowledge, understanding, wisdom and guidance, to the benefit of the few and the detriment of many.
What was the issue that caused me to rethink my earlier decision and repost the message? Someone did something to me this afternoon that was unwarranted, uncalled for, lacked good judgment, professionalism, accountability and integrity because they were operating on a whim of ignorance and self-centeredness that threw me for a curve because I yielded my trust to them, and it threw me off kilter and left me reeling in bewilderment from their selfish act of grandstanding, trying to regain a modicum of perspectives that would give me grave insight into their brokenness and mine.
Acknowledged, I have a problem with people who are not true to their word…because that is the epitome of dominance, a very subtle form of wielding power and control over people that carelessly waste resources (time, money, and human effort) and callously and maliciously messes up other people’s lives without any semblance of care, concern, sense of responsibility, acknowledgement of wrong-doing, or willingness to offer a measure of conciliation, and my first instinct is always to throw back a fireball of fury, until I am duly reminded by the spirit of God that dwells in me that “hurting people hurts people, but love worketh no ill to its neighbor, therefore love is the fulfilling of the law…because God is Love, and he is still in control.” Then I exhale, and recoup myself. Let go, and let God. Be still and know…grow, and go on to the next best (more meaningful) thing.
Peace
Lifeline of Hope 