Ms X And The Tea Room: Bullying Under The Disguise Of Christianity: Duped Again-Same Story
Posted: Thursday, July 28, 2011
by Fran Larson
http://www.franniesquotes.com/
It was 2009. Jim and I were still reeling the loss of quite a bit of money, due to the housing upset (as many people had). Even though I hadn’t planned on going back to work, obviously things had changed and I knew I had to find a job. Of course jobs were scarce in this little town we moved to and opportunities were scarce. However, I found a waitressing job in a little Tea Room. Although I had never waitressed in my life, I was determined to give it my best.
I had a certain dialogue I was to use. It was kind of like being an actress and it needed to be word for word. Everything on each table had to be perfect. It would have been easier if I had a measuring tape to measure how far the teacup should be placed from the placemat. I am sure by now you get the picture.
Ms X said she did not do sweeping and mopping. That was my job. Also, I had to step on a rickety stool in order to reach a plug for decorative lights every morning. (Was there a tinge of evilness or did she not want me to “measure up” to the job?)
The bottom line was that I needed the job and I told myself I would just play along with this “game.”
We didn’t open the doors until 11:00 a.m., so the morning hours were filled with the cooks preparing the food and me preparing the teas (hot and cold), coffee, etc. I was out and in the kitchen as I made my preparations and sometimes Ms X wanted me to hear the conversation between her and one of the cooks (I will call Amanda) that she was “mentoring” about being a Christian.) Ms X was an avid churchgoer and had apparently got this young girl interested in church. To Ms X’s credit, she did purchase clothes (used) for Amanda.
Although the owners were struggling and needed to be open on Sundays, Ms X said that was impossible, as that was the day she gave to the Lord. I volunteered to come in and that made Ms X furious, but the owners were really hurting.
Somehow, the 2 owners had left most of the decisions and responsibility to Ms X and they were not aware of what was going on. If Ms X had old friends stop by the Tea Room, she would see that they had a free meal “on the house.” Meanwhile, Amanda, who was poor, would have to pay for her lunch. We all had to pay for our lunch, while Ms X always treated herself to lunch and sometimes an ice-cream sundae.
Ms X decided that she would bring in her 12-year old son and his friend because we might be busy that day and she assured us he was well-mannered. She failed to mention that we would be dividing our tips with these two boys. It was indeed a very busy day, but the boys were not much help. I was helping Amanda and the other cook wash dishes (when the day ended) while the boys indulged in a food fight and Ms X was on the telephone telling the owners what a good day they had and how the boys were “helping” us ever so much. I had enough and knew I had to do something.
That evening when one of the owners came in, I told her I wanted to have a heart-to-heart discussion with her and also Ms X present. Instead of talking behind her back, I decided this was the best way to go.
As we set down at the table, I told the owner everything that had happened that day and bluntly told her that Ms X lied and was taking advantage of her “manager” title. Ms X denied everything and seemed shocked that I would mention these things. As she was strongly denying these accusations, I noted that her ears and face were turning red. However, Ms X had the owners believing every word she said and told me that Ms X would never do those things. So I left the Tea Room. (About a month later, Ms X was “let go,” so I guess eventually the truth came through.)
This was just another example of me working with a fine “Christian” who daily quoted Bible scriptures and insinuated that I should be in Church. (She also could not work late on Wednesdays because of church). This was my 3rd job experience that involved working with a “fine Christian.” (The other two experiences are another long story of deceit, lying and setting me up for failure.)
I am not telling you this so that you would feel sorry for me. I guess I have always been naïve and really believed people are who they say they are.
Amazingly, these types of “fine Christians” can compartmentalize everything. One compartment is their church life and another compartment is who they really are. It’s kind of like having 2 different lives.
As I mentioned in my previous article:
/swa754469-My-Truth-About-Being-A-Christian-In-Todays-Society-Letter-To-Atheists.htm, I could understand why Atheists are so angry at “Christians. Could we just stop lumping people into groups, especially the word, “Christian?” “Christian” is such a broad name and can be a disguise that covers a broad array of sins and perhaps even evil.
I just want to say that there really are sincere “believers” in this world. They are filled with love for their fellow man. They usually don’t mention all the “good” that they do. Look for them. It is easy to find them. They are like a shimmering precious gem that shines underneath dirt and garbage. They may be in church but they may not be. They are like a precious gem. They are rare.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)I love this story, Fran, I found it really inspiring. I think it was brave of you to take that job on and even braver to stand up for yourself and then leave.
A lot of Christians do hide behind their religion, it's nauseating. But so do Bhuddists and people of other religions. I agree with you that the religion doesn't tell us anything about a person. The only thing that does is how they deal with themselves and their fellow human, I guess.
I appreciate the individual who is law abiding, god fearing and a loving parent, good neighbor, concerned about not hurting anyone and who treats me back as I treat them. They can be Christian, or any denomination - all that matters to me is that they are kind and good. I know from personal experience that some "Christians" can be devout and then go home and become total unlikables. I enjoyed your telling in this article greatly.
Hi Fran,
I love your story and have experienced some nauseating treatment by some who call themselves "christian". I have learned that it is not religion but a relationship with Christ. Thanks for the honesty in your article.
Love, hugs and blessings,
Michelle
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