Reader reacts to intrusions
by Sandra Johnson
Counselor, South Campus

Dear Editor:

In response to your article “Preaching belongs at church, not work,” I truly understand your concern for the intrusive and uninvited encounters we all have on a daily basis.

Many times we have no immediate control over our circumstances and begin to feel somewhat helpless while dealing with anger and resentment.

I. for one, do not like having to give fingerprints to buy items when in the grocery store, banks and other places that have been deemed high risk for theft.

Why can’t they do something less personal than using our body parts?

I don’t care for instances when people try to flag me down for car washes or ask for monies to support organizations that I have no clue about.

Why must I endure these types of invasions? When I am riding along the freeways, many times I see billboard signs that are quite offensive to what I believe, and, certainly, I can’t reach up and pull them down, but yet they remain standing.

Telemarketers are the worst of my nightmares.

They don’t seem to understand the words “No! I’m not interested, and please don’t call again!”

What’s wrong with these pictures?

We live in an intrusive society where everyone is given the right to express his or her beliefs and views.

It would be great if what that also meant was that no one would be offended by anything that the other(s) do or say. NOT REALISTIC!

The real deal is, as you stated ... You are a CHRISTIAN? And as we know ... our reactions are to be different.

No matter how we feel, every challenge is an opportunity to demonstrate that we are above our circumstances ... right?

Now then, a question. How are you doing with practicing your faith?

As personal and private as you may believe your religion/faith to be, does it not teach you the hows to surviving the dissatisfactions in your life?

This is not a “stone-throwing” response, but an encouragement to check out your sources for dealing with life’s issues.

Your stating that you are not “involved” with your religion is a loaded response to how you are “reacting” to the pamphlets or approaches you are encountering.

Is there a connection here?

Finally, the title and contents of your article “Preaching belongs at church, not “work,” could easily be viewed as just that by your readers.

Are you preaching to those who approach you? Are you preaching YOUR BELIEFS to others while at “work,” from your article? You say NO?

That may not be the view of many readers who feel just like YOU!

Last Updated: 4/21/2004
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