The Great Return

For those who know me in "real" life, you'll know I vented extensively on social media about George, the retail neighbor from Hell. He owned a uniform shop next door to our dance studio on Douglas Blvd and when he came onto the scene, things went crazy. 

Painting his own red zones.

Shouting at the dancers.

Barging into the studio on tirades.

Dropping F bombs fighting with the tenants on the other side of him. 

The dude was a total menace. I tried to go over there once to make peace, but his wife physically held the door shut. 

The police came out twice. They then said that it was all a civil issue, so they wouldn't come out anymore. 

I am terrified of being alone with an angry man. From my dad to my former pastor, I cannot stand shouting, aggressive men. And now, as I was often at the studio alone during the day, I was on my own unable to call for help if he decided to go off the deep end. 

Even more importantly, we work with abuse survivors and girls who have been trafficked. Angry George was not a welcomed addition to our ministry life. 

We moved because of George. Our studio was our dream location, but when things couldn't be resolved, we were outta there. The safety of our girls was number one. 

When we moved, I got a sinking feeling everytime I drove past the old studio. Not surprisingly, they had knocked out the wall and George had expanded his business. 

I know instantly now when God is promoting me to do something. I can't explain the feeling, but it's almost physically uncomfortable, it's so strong. 

I knew God wanted me to go talk to George. 

I battled God on this for over two months. This wasn't my fault. He was the crazy one. It's over and done with. There is absolutely no reason for me to have to interact with this man anymore. 

Go. 

No!!!!

Go. 

So this Monday, I finally went. I reluctantly bought some candy and prayed he wouldn't be in that day. He was. In fact, he was the only one there. 

So this is how I die. Walking into my own murder with a box of chocolate turtles. 

I stumbled over words about how I was sorry things went the way they did, and how God doesn't want us to have enemies in town, etc. 

George not only listened, he responded kindly. And lengthily. We ended up chatting for over an hour. He showed me his heart. He felt genuinely bad that we left, and the landlord had pressured him to take our space since he has driven us away. 

He apologized sincerely. God's grace, example and restoration was all over this conversation. 

And then he asked to make a donation to royal stage. 

Wait, what? 

It's nice to have a friend down the road now. We are going to advertise George's shop in out next playbill. He wants to come apologize to the girls in person. 

God can do cool things. I love hearing His voice and disciplining myself to respond to the call and be obedient. 

I know the story of George isn't very action packed or poignant, but for me, it was filled with victories. 

1) I overcame my fear of an angry man

2) I spoke boldly of God's love 

3) I learned to be humble and say sorry

4) I learned apologies aren't always a result of being to blame. 

5) I got to see someone difficult through God's eyes. 

George said a few times how admirable it was of me to come to the shop and make amends. 

And what little effort it took! 

Truly, can you even fathom the efforts Christ went to to ensure amends were made between us and the Father? It's unbelievable. 

I love restoration.