A potential client told me that she liked my website. Then she asked me before placing an order if I believed in God.
I don't remember what I answered her. It's a loaded question intended to place me thoroughly inside or thoroughly outside her circle. She needed to vet me as acceptable or unacceptable.
That's lazy thinking, but I can understand it.
When we are stressed or overworked, it's easier to read the tl;dr version or just scan the headline without reading the piece, even when we lose something important by taking the shortcut. When feeling helpless or vulnerable, we use whatever strategies we have on hand to cope. And that can include circling the wagons around our values, beliefs and associations. Safety in numbers - or something.
Perhaps one day she'll slip one toe outside her circle to see if life has something better for her. Perhaps she did when she looked at my website. Perhaps not. She arrived at her position honestly. To give up everything takes tremendous strength and courage and a willingness to be wrong. She could be putting not just her way of life at risk, but perhaps her livelihood, family and friendships, too.
I don't lose hope though. She may not have stuck her toe outside that circle, but she looked over it.
Now, as for her question: do I believe in God? Have a look at my website and decide for yourself.
First published March 2018 in my free monthly email newsletter, Starry Night. Sign up here.
