My Granny was never one to talk about others or gossip, however they came a time in my life when she took a proactive role and explained to me how to deal with ignorant or petty people.

One day Granny and I went to the airport to greet a few relatives of ours that were arriving from the States. As we were standing by the area where people were usually greeted upon arrival, a woman stepped on my Granny's toes and my toes, then she jumped over the rail just to greet someone she was meeting. The woman did not even say excuse me or apologize. Granny looked at me, and I looked at her. Eventually Granny broke her silence and said, "You see Mags that's the difference between a lady and a woman. If she was a lady she would have been more courteous. People like that you ignore them and leave them in their own pickle."

Since I was only about seven at the time, I yessed her to death and kept on waiting with her. Well, it was only a few minutes after the woman pulled off her little stunt, that the immigration officers kindly escorted her out of the building. Gran turned to me and said, "See what I mean?" Then we got into this long conversation about people who instigate vexation of spirit. Most Jamaicans would say, Botheration!. Granny began to tell me that I should always prepare myself for people who are petty, ignorant or harbor ill-will. She said, "Magsie, there will be people who like you from the minute you enter a room. Then you will have some that can't stand you for no reason at all. These are the people who get you so vex sometimes, that you want to take the Lord's name in vain."

I looked at her with bright open eyes because at the time I really could not comprehend the importance of why she was telling me this information. She continued to tell me that whenever confronted by anger mongers, that I should always speak my piece but never stoop to their level. Granny began to emphasize that there will be times when people will try to upset my spirit and that I will probably have to whip them in shape with my words. According to her, the mark of a true lady is knowing when to give people their "just desserts" in small doses.

Granny was always an even-tempered woman who got along with most people, however when faced with a mean spirited person, she would straighten them out in her way. She usually prayed for them, then asked them if they wanted to go to heaven or hell, and then gave them ten days to repent in the Lord. Although this may sound a bit wacky, it somehow worked for her.

Since I was part of the younger generation, it really didn't seem cool to go around banishing people in the name of God, but Granny showed me other ways to implement my values and stand up for myself. She told me when people dislike you or gossip about you disdainfully, ignore them and keep your distance from them, because they don't wish you well. If a person accosts you or try to hurt you, defend yourself if you must, but also report them to the proper authorities. And when all else fails, pray, leave them to God, and you will see the wonders he performs.

I felt lucky to have all this knowledge, however at the time it didn't seem relevant. It wasn't until I started attending upper grades in school where the peer pressure became intense and teenagers felt the need to test their powers; that I realized how valuable her information to me was. When faced with school bullies who disliked me because of jealousy and other petty reasons I was able to stand up to them. I utilized my faith in God to put them in his hands, and he did handle them according to their meanness. I took the advice of my Granny and ignored them and it worked like magic. The one thing people hate the most is to be IGNORED!!!

Remember "Fatal Attraction”, the movie? It drives them insane. Eventually they usually give up and find some other poor nerd to terrorize.

Granny's way was always the path of peace but she never wanted to raise children or grandchildren who were "easy stepovers" for anyone. She always said, "If somebody mash your corn, you mash theirs back in a nice and lovely way." The important thing is, to be godly in your actions but don’t be a "patsy" for anyone.

So now that I am an adult I can certainly say that I have met a plethora of troublesome and irritating people whose mere focus in life is to try to rain on other people's parade. Usually I try to ignore them, and nicely put them in their place. When all else fails I sing them a top ten hit list of Granny's favorite church songs, "How great thou art", "Rock of Ages, " and my personal favorite "What a friend we have in Jesus." If nothing else is accomplished, at least it takes my mind off the thorny individual.

Granny always told me that when you serve God and you try to live in his word, you are automatically public enemy number one and you are an open target. What most people don't know is that serving God gives you powers beyond your wildest expectations. So sometimes instead of turning the other cheek, you just have to set the record straight!