My 90-year-old mother needed new tires for her vehicle. This is her account of what happened. I am not saying this is exactly how it all transpired; I am writing how she felt about what occurred.

She went to the first store, and they did not explain anything. They gave her a receipt from a calculator with a few numbers and the total it would cost. She stated that they did not give me a computer printout or any details.

The second store she went to is a chain store, and she said (and I quote), “They treated me like an old lady who didn’t know anything.” She felt depersonalized and was slightly offended by the way the people working the counter treated her. They gave her a nice printout with lots of details, and she quietly left.

At her third stop, the manager, who is the owner’s son, came and greeted her. He talked with her about her needs and how they could help. He sat down and gave her a printed estimate of the costs, explaining what would happen if they installed her tires.

Where do you think she bought tires?

Here is the thing: she needed tires and was only looking for someone to value her during the sale. She wanted to be treated with respect while feeling safe in her transaction. All they needed to do was to welcome her, communicate clearly, and be friendly.

I believe people need Jesus. They need what the Church has to offer. Sadly, sometimes believers can hinder the spread of the Gospel, not because they preach the hard truth of repentance, but because their tools are outdated and their attitude is offensive.