A Strange Experience!

Today I had a first time experience that I wouldn't wish on anyone. Especially a non-christian walking into a church for the first time. It really made me think about my reaction to people who walk into the church who don't exactly fit what we think a church goer should look like.

Here is the story. I had to get up and leave my sister's house fairly early this morning so I could be back in Fayetteville by noon. I was meeting someone at a church here in town that we will be using for our kindergarten musical this week. Since I knew I was going to be at the church about the time everyone was leaving I fixed my hair, put on make-up, and wore a nice outfit. Well what I thought was nice, a long pair of dark denim dress shorts and a fitted wrap around shirt. Really it was dressier than what I normally wear to my church or even to work for that matter. Given my church meets at a camp ground and we are very laid back. If I were to wear a sun dress everyone would ask why I was so dressed up.

I walked in the door right as the contemporary service was letting out. Everywhere I looked were women clad in sundresses and men wearing khakis and a button ups. Before I continue let me say this, I have no problem with people dressing up on Sunday mornings. I understand wanting to give God your best and therefore dressing nice for church. However, at this church as soon as I walked in people were staring at me. Granted they may not have been thinking this but the impression I received was "How dare she wear that to church!"

I honestly felt completely judged by what I was wearing. They didn't know me and yet I felt as though they assumed I wasn't fit to be in there church building on a Sunday morning. Had I been a visitor coming for service I would have turned around and left.

In that moment I began to realize the stereotypes we place on people. The expectations we have of who should be allowed to worship in "our church." I experienced what it was like to be an outsider coming into an unknown situation and getting hostility instead of friendship. I began to check my own stereotypes of people.

I honestly can say that I am no different then the people who were at that church today. My expectations my be a bit more casual but they are still there. What would I do if someone came to church wearing dirty clothes, hadn't brushed their hair, and smelled like they hadn't taken a bath. I would like to say that I would welcome them with open arms but in my heart I know my reaction would be just the opposite. I think I would have the same reaction if someone came driving up to church in a BMW and were dressed to the 9's as well because of the stereotypes I have in my head.

This is something I want to change. I don't like this! We are to love our neighbors, we are accept others where they are. How are we ever going to show them Jesus if we can't get over our own fear of talking to them?

Lord, I pray that you will soften my heart for your people. Let me see people the way you see them. Break through the barriers of these stereotypes I have in my head. God you are bigger than class or race. Lord you are God of ALL creation. I want a heart like yours to love ALL people the way you love them. AMEN