Have you ever felt slighted for just being you? Been judged by your cover? Well that happened to me last night at Carino's in NLR last night. Even tho I was the first on in the door with our group of five, the hostess totally considered me invisible. Then when she seated us, she purposely went around me to give everybody else a menu. She then asked 'does she need a menu?' My mom said we could share but I demanded my own. I mean is there a shortage? Do people in wheelchairs not read? I did not make a scene or issue of it then because we had company with us. This is also not my first encounter with insensitive people so I just try to remind myself of the verse 'forgive them, for they know not what they do.' We have informed the manager to educate and prevent further discrimination to other customers.
Trials come in all forms and sometimes unexpectedly. We overcome them with grace and a fault forgiving, grace filled attitude. [yes, that's not my strong suit] Yes, it irks me to be thought of in a lesser sense than others but my strength and confidence in myself does not depend on their thoughts of me.
I am sorry this happen to you last night Angie and I talked to the manager, Adam today and he was very apologetic and said he would talk to the team members. If you had told me about this when it happen we would have corrected it at that time. Dad
ReplyDeleteThe manager sent me a sincere apologetic email today and is going to talk with employees about discriminatory service. I was also invited back for a compensatory meal. That wasn't my goal but staying silent helps no one. I'll be back to Carino's in NLR.
ReplyDeleteLove it!
ReplyDeleteBetsy
I didn't realize this as I was the last one in the door. Now I know why you looked so irritated when I said we could share the menu--I was thinking "what's the big deal" but coupled with the other, I can understand now. Mom
ReplyDeleteWow! The lessons we could/would learn if we would/could just put ourselves in the place of others. "Walk a mile in my shoes", in other words. You are right....they knew not what they were doing. It is so easy (and so wrong) to assume that those who are not "healthy looking" are not healthy. You have the wisest mind of anyone I know, and you are so much fun! If only those people at Carino's (and other establishments) had access to your blog! They could get to know you so much better and see how totally able you are! Glad the manager listened and was willing to educate his staff. If more people would do that, it would be a step in the right direction. I appreciate your patience, but I know it must be difficult to be "invisible" and "judged by your cover"....it would be for any of us. You are so right....your strength and confidence does not depend on others....but on the One who sees what's inside and loves us just as we are. And that is how I love you too...my dear sweet Angie...T. Had a great time sharing Whole Hog barbecue with your tonight! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE MY BOOK!!!
ReplyDeleteOkay, famous author and scientist! What people don't know! I wonder what the waiter studied in college! ( But that's another of those "judging books by the cover" attitudes, isn't it?) He could have been a micro biologist himself, just working a second job. I admire your gumption to reveal to others that we are all humans, capable in our own strengths, weaker in others, but nonetheless created in the image of God and living to give Him glory where He has planted us. It is an amazing thing how God has used this blog in various lives for various purposes. What a blessing!
ReplyDeleteAngie, the book is such a wonderful blessing to both Charity and me. Thank you so much. I cannot really express to you what it means to me.
ReplyDeleteI have thought about the incident at Carino's; I imagine that waitress was uncomfortable with anyone who is "different" from herself, probably has never had the privilege of interacting socially (or spiritually) with someone who has a special challenge in life. How easily we can avoid anything uncomfortable in our lives, and think that life is just great the way it is. We too often want to be around people that are "just like us", not realizing that the greatest blessings come in enjoying the diversity of loving and interacting with those who are vastly different from us, whether it is that we have a handicap that they don't have, or that they are smarter than we are (like you are smarter than I am--I'm always learning from you!) or that we have different color skin, or that we have different likes and dislikes, and on and on. Anyway, I feel sorry for the girl who doesn't have the privilege of being your friend. (And you can put this on your blog, too, if you want to! Actually, never mind. I'm going to do it myself) Love, love to you, my Angie.
Glad it all worked out, but so sorry you had to go through that. You are amazing and I want you on my side if anyone ever treats me wrong ;)!
ReplyDeleteAngie, thanks for your willingness to share such a difficult experience. It hurts me just reading about it. What hurts me most is that I see myself doing that all the time. I'm so thankful for your willingness to extend grace. Have a great day. Joel
ReplyDeleteHi Angie, So sorry you had that bad experience. If they only knew you they would see what a very intelligent person you are. The frailty of our bodies does not mean we are frail in our minds. Keep up your spirits and the wonderful work you are doing for God’s kingdom. Love you. Robbie
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