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Why are you looking at me like that?

By
Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty Licensed in PA / DE / NJ

It’s a seasonal hazard — you decide to stop by church on Ash Wednesday to get the obligatory ashes on your forehead. You get in line with everybody else. Then you notice people returning to their seats sporting enormous, indeterminate blobs of soot and realize you’re going to go back to work with a gigantic ad on your forehead that might as well say: “Interested in knowing more about Catholicism?”

Do I wipe them off?  I mean, I DID go to church, right?  My saint of a grandmother is rolling in her grave right now.  Anyway, I know there is a rule about what NOT to talk about with clients...religion, politics and how the Phillies blew it last year.  But, How can I hide THIS?  "Wait until you see the view from this lovely master bedroom...You'd see it better if you can stop looking at my forehead".

I'm proud to be Catholic and do consider myself very blessed.   So even though I won't ask about your religion, you can see mine.  And I don't mind if you stare.

 

Andrew Capelli
Troy, MI

Mike: That's a very thoughtful post, actually.  There certainly exists a "politically correct" social bias against discussing or displaying anything to do with religion.  The biggest example seems to me to be how "Happy Holidays" has generally replaced "Merry Christmas."  And yet, in the Christian faith (and not just Catholic- I am Episcopalian), there is an encouragement to share that faith and not be ashamed of it.  So, in black or white terms, what's the greater dilemma: offending society or disappointing God?  The strength of our faith probably determines the answer.  Thank you for sharing, and- God bless you!

Feb 23, 2012 11:26 PM
Gerry Michaels
Glasswork Media Arts - Gettysburg, PA
GettysburgGerry Social Meida

I tweeted this Mike, great job, made my day...thx

Feb 24, 2012 03:21 AM
Karen Hurst
RICOASTALLIVING.COM - Warwick, RI
Rhode Island Waterfront!

Mike,

 I have been around for awhile and it is now my opinion that the old ways are no longer the new ways. People say whatever they feel to anyone and anywhere!  

There used to be a word....that negated that kind of behaviour.....I think it was respect!

However, I do have to say that the ashes I have seen this year are like silver dollars!!! Not sure what is up with that.

There was someone on MSNBC the other night and we just couldn't pay attention to what she was saying...very distracting when it is that large, lol!!!

 

We are encouraged to speak our opinion and yet not offend anyone. Kind of a paradox, if you ask me.   Anyway, glad you feel blessed:)

 

Feb 24, 2012 06:47 AM
Mike Reyman
eXp Realty - Media, PA
Delaware County Real Estate

Andrew - Thanks for affirming what we both recognize as the "Right thing to do".  Have a great Easter Season.

 

Gerry - I can always count on you .  Glad you enjoyed the post.

 

Karen - I have been finding more and more realtors speaking their minds (in a tactful way) and less worrying about offend the client.  I guess it truly is a fine line we walk and careful words we choose.  Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Feb 27, 2012 12:50 AM
Maureen Bray Portland OR Home Stager ~ Room Solutions Staging
Room Solutions Staging, Portland OR - Portland, OR
"Staging Consultations that Sell Portland Homes"

Mike ~ I remember well in grade school, getting my first "mark" on Ash Wednesday.  I was proud and wanted it to last a long time!

Mar 17, 2012 09:32 AM