WHEN YOUR RESPECT IS UNINTENTIONALLY DISRESPECTFUL…

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I once worked with a lady who cleaned up our office building. Let’s say her name is Elsie.

She was middle aged, older than some and younger than others, and she was Black.

Out of respect most people in the office called her Ms. Elsie. Except me, I called her Elsie. She was my elder, but I sensed she didn’t like the title Ms. before her name.

I asked several people, Black, White and other races why they called her that, and they confirmed it was out of respect.

So, I asked Elsie how she felt about it. She also confirmed she didn’t like it, and it was exactly for the reason I thought.

She was our coworker. Even though she wasn’t a Manager, Analyst, Salesperson, Director, VP, or CEO, she was a coworker. There were other coworkers older than her, of all races, that were referred to by their first name only.

Calling her MS. unintentionally designated her as a servant. It made her feel like a MAMMY.

I told everyone to please just call her by her first name like everyone else.

So many times we can mean well, but unintentionally insult, disrespect, and belittle others because we are culturally insensitive.

Be very careful when you think people are being too sensitive. Remember, we serve a sensitive God.
WHAT TO TELL PEOPLE WHO ACCUSE YOU OF BEING TOO SENSITIVE…

Exodus 34:14 (NKJV)

¹⁴ (for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God),

BE BLESSTIFIED!