Shoplifting is unfortunately a part of the retail business. Large companies lose millions a year in lost inventory. But somehow, when what you sell has been made with your own hands, created from your own ideas, and taken time away from other important tasks in life...it feels personal.
The first weekend we were open, 4 years ago, one of Barb's beautiful, hand-stamped spoon bracelet's was stolen. Cheryl and I felt terrible, but I still remember Barb's sweet attitude when she said, "I will be praying for this person, and I'm glad they took the Grace bracelet with the verse on the back".
Matthew 5: 43, 44 says, "You have heard it said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Guess I've wondered who my enemy is...terrorists that attack innocent people, the person who placed a bomb threat at my son's school today...for sure. But shoplifters...ladies who come into my store that I am greeting with hospitality and inspiration?
God never said His path would be easy.
We had just gotten a shipment of jar lamp adapters in, because customers have been asking for them. A handful of them disappeared within a couple of hours. There have been other items through the years, and many more that we probably didn't even realize. Most of our contributors have felt the sting also.
But rather than taking it personally, we choose to pray. James 1:17 says, "Every good and perfect gift is from above." The truth that we live by is that all our time, talents and resources come from Him. Therefore if something is taken, it's that person's issue with God alone. We've used our gifts as we know He wanted, and release them.
Our business has been built on generosity. Friends and family are often giving us whatever they don't need, or have lost the vision for. We are so appreciative when others think of us, and send their in-the-rough items our way. Matthew 5:38-42 speaks against taking an eye for an eye: "...if someone wants to take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well." What a different perspective from our world?
One of our signs disappeared over the weekend. We didn't just order them from a printing company. No, our husbands lovingly built them for us years ago and we painted each letter on them ourselves. But as Job rebutted his wife as she said he should curse God and die, "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?"
The truth is, we are so thankful for all God has given to us. We rest in the words of John 16: 33, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." I was also encouraged with 1 Corinthians 7: 29-31, "...the time is short...live as if...those who buy something, as if it were not thiers to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in it's present form is passing away."
Or in Cheryl and my words..."It's all just junk anyway."
Lora and Cheryl....that is what I have had to do at camp! I pray that whenever they look at what they took they will be reminded of what the speakers and their counselors said. I also pray that they are not able to lose it and they see it often and are reminded of what they did. Over the years I have received things (or money) back from someone who has had a "guilty conscience". Thank you for your patience to continue in retail!
Posted by: Deb Bloomquist | Tuesday, October 07, 2014 at 12:07 PM
Thanks for the encouragement, Deb! I pray that God will overwhelm them with His love and place people in their lives to help and encourage them;)
Posted by: Lora Bloomquist | Friday, October 24, 2014 at 06:03 AM
My shop is next to a tavern. I've been here 14 years. Every single thing that I have ever put outside to decorate the steps, door, windows, etc has been destroyed when the bar closes including a 5'8" scarecrow, that was essentially a large straw-stuffed doll. It took me a week to make it. I love Cheryl's comment and I will remember that. It's all just junk anyway. Everything is junk if you think about it, but I'm not as nice a person as you ladies are...I know these guys will be laughing about what they did for the next 10 years. That's if they remember it!
Just found your blog and I love your work.
Ginene
Posted by: Ginene Nagel | Sunday, August 02, 2015 at 02:06 PM
Ginene,
How frustrating for you to make an investment of your time, creativity, and dollars! We feel your pain, as does every other small shop owner that gives their heart and soul to their business. Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment!
Posted by: Lora Bloomquist | Sunday, August 02, 2015 at 04:55 PM