Don't Push Your Religion On Me

AH-CHEW

“God bless you”

“I have told you before, DON’T PUSH YOUR RELIGION ON ME!”

“Oh, I thought you sneezed.”

“I don’t go through your line when I come here. I get sick of it!”

“But . . . I am not working today. I just heard you sneeze and was offering . . .”

“I don’t want to hear it” He walks toward the front of the store.

“I apologize, sir, I thought . . .” I really did hear him sneeze, so I offered a blessing. I was not wearing my work uniform. I was not at my register. And I did not say “God bless your day” which I say when at my register and working. I usually say it other places as well, but  this time, it was a sneeze response.

Free speech comes at a cost sometimes.

If I expect to be able to say my salutation upon leaving a situation, I am equally expected to allow retorts such as this one.

                      Have you ever heard someone say “bless you” when someone else sneezes?

                      In my mind, it is just common courtesy.  

The gentleman may have had a really rough day. He could have been looking for a ‘fight’ and there I was.

                     God could have had me there, right then, as this man sneezed, to respond as I did.  

                     He may have lashed out at me instead of punching a guy who walked too close to

                     his car as he was leaving.

Did God use me, knowing that I would pray for the man in place of arguing or fighting?

We are to build each other up and encourage.*

Another thought;

Could it be TS

In my research of brain disorders, I have found a Syndrome that many have heard of, known as Tourettes Syndrome (TS).  According to National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke,                               "many with TS experience additional neurobehavioral problems including inattention,                                          hyperactivity and impulsivity, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms such as intrusive                                            thoughts/worries and repetitive behaviors.

I am not giving him an excuse for lashing out, it’s just a thought that I might need to give him a little leeway.

I am also not suggesting that when someone sneezes, we should retort with a blessing. I just hope that, if we do, we can all keep in mind the possibility of other extenuating circumstances.

If you have questions regarding brain disorders, I have found the internet to be quite helpful. (Although not every site is as reliable as it should be, the following ones seem accurate)

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/index.htm

For more information on neurological disorders or research programs funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, contact the Institute's Brain Resources and Information Network (BRAIN) at:

BRAIN
P.O. Box 5801
Bethesda, MD 20824
(800) 352-9424
http://www.ninds.nih.gov

Information also is available from the following organizations:

Tourette Syndrome Association 42-40 Bell Boulevard Suite 205 Bayside, NY   11361-2820 ts@tsa-usa.org http://tsa-usa.org  Tel: 718-224-2999 888-4-TOURET (486-8738) Fax: 718-279-9596

"Tourette Syndrome Fact Sheet," NINDS. Publication date January 2012.

NIH Publication No. 12-2163 

Publicaciones en Español

• Síndrome de Tourette
  
  

Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892

NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.

Last updated April 16, 2014

*In reference to the Biblical phrase;

Ephesians 4:29-32New Century Version (NCV)

²⁹ When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you.³⁰ And do not make the Holy Spirit sad. The Spirit is God’s proof that you belong to him. God gave you the Spirit to show that God will make you free when the final day comes.³¹ Do not be bitter or angry or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil. ³² Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ.

New Century Version (NCV)

The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 byThomas Nelson, Inc.