Beware of Assumptions

Garn in front of his store.

Sue’s grandfather Garn eked out a living in the depths of the depression while sliding extra groceries into the bags of his loyal customers. He raised his family in the rooms behind his small store and ministered to the spiritual needs of a sizeable congregation without financial compensation.

Garn’s congregants practiced abstinence from tobacco and believed in healing by the laying on of hands. They called him day and night for guidance and blessings.

In the middle of a busy day, Garn took a call from a woman requesting an urgent blessing. He explained he couldn’t leave the store at that moment but assured her he’d send two elders in his stead.

Later, the woman called back distressed and agitated. One of the elders who’d dropped everything to administer to her needs had attended church infrequently and arrived with a pack of cigarettes in his pocket.

Garn in his store.

Garn knew the goodness in the man’s heart and of his years-long struggle to quit smoking. He knew the man had avoided church to dodge disapproving looks from others. And Garn knew the man’s struggle hadn’t obstructed his connection with heaven.

“I hope your faith is as strong as that man’s,” Garn said gently to the woman on the phone.

We all have struggles; some are just more visible. Beware of assumptions about others. Your judgements limit your progress much more than theirs.