Scary Skepticism

Something that I’ve encountered a few times in my life is skepticism. Nowadays, with media and oversharing we have become a very worried and quick-to-judge people. When you see someone wearing something due to their religion or nationality, society has told us they’re “dangerous” or if you hear someone speaking with a certain accent it’s easy to make general assumptions about them. We all make assumptions but never want people to assume anything about us.

I can recall two particular times in my life that this has happened.

Once, while I was sitting in the airport. I got to my gate and was looking for a seat to sit in while I waited. I got there a little late and most seats were taken. Except one. There was an open seat next to a man who was wearing a certain article of clothing that was tied to his nationality. My initial reaction was that I would just stand and then I got so mad at myself. How did the thought of skeptiscm enter and leave my mind so fast? Why would I think that? I have never had a bad experience with anyone of that nationality ever in my life. In that moment I decided I was going to “stick it to myself” and go sit with him. The man and I ended up talking for a little before our plane boarded and then when they started calling people he asked which group I was with. It turns out I was with the group that was the last to board where as he was with the first boarding group. He kindly offered to save me a seat. As I waited I wondered if he would actually save me one and if I should even take it. As I boarded the plane, sure enough, there he was - saving me a seat. As I entered he even offered me the all-so-coveted window seat. Throughout our plane ride we got to talk about family, friends, faith, careers, dreams, hard time, good times and everything in-between. He was the nicest man and I almost didn’t get to meet him because of skepticism.

The second time was just the other day in Barnes & Noble. I was in line and the man in front of me asked what book I was getting. I told him and we got to talking and he found out I was going to Italy. As it turns out, he had gone on a sabbatical in Italy a little while back. After he checked out he turned around and asked if I had a minute and wanted to talk about Italy. At first I was skeptical because we've always been told (especially as girls) not to talk to strangers, especially who are men. However, knowing I was in a public place and feeling out the situation I said yes. We ended up talking for a few minutes and he told me all about his time there, things to do and warned me about being safe. He was such a sweet man and I'm so thankful I didn't pass up the opportunity.

I think it's easy to listen to the skeptics of our time and to live in fear that our lives are going to end up like a Liam Neeson movie. (Thank you Taken for putting fear in every American girl's dad and making travel impossible without fear.) But, really, there is more good in the world than bad. It's just that society has chosen to point out the bad and scream it from the rooftops. It's sad really. "Worry is not from the Lord" (Matthew 6:25-34). Worry is of the devil and if we live our life in it he wins. Obviously you must be smart and can't be ignorant but there is a fine line between over-reacting and good judgement. I've had my fair share of both, but I'm hoping to listen to the Spirit and live in good judgement rather than fear.

I hope you can find the balance as well. Talk to the people you wouldn't talk to. When you hear the small voice of skepticism - listen. Is it valid? If not - snuff it out! It just may keep you from a great conversation with people who have lived a full life with fun stories to share.