What Would Jesus Do If He Was Cat-Called ?

When I was a little girl my parents taught me that when I didn't know what to do I could ask myself "What would Jesus do?"

This question has guided me throughout my life to always try to love better. But sometimes the answer hasn't always been clear.

Like today:

As I walked into my apartment building, two homeless men sat outside cat calling women as they passed by, myself included.

Time and time again I've found myself in situations where men have made me feel unsafe, this particular moment was hardly even a drop in the ocean compared to other stories I have.

In the past I've gotten angry, hurt, or worst of all: silent. 

I walked inside to find my roommate calling the cops on them, shaken by their aggressive comments.

Suddenly and surprisingly, the childhood thought popped into my mind:

"What would Jesus do?"

I found myself instantly frustrated by this thought because Jesus was probably never sexually harassed on the streets. And then out of no where, a small thought popped into my mind:

"Teach."

Jesus would teach.

I walked back outside, got in my car for safety purposes, pulled up next to the two men and firmly but kindly said these words:

"I just wanted to warn you that someone in our building has called the cops on you. I don't want you getting into trouble, but it's not appropriate the way you are talking to women, calling after them and such. You have made us feel unsafe and uncomfortable."

I did not feel angry, I did not feel afraid, I was not silent. 

I felt love.

They looked at me for a moment and then one of the men apologized and said,

"Thank you for the reminder. Sometimes I have to check myself."

The other sank his head into his hands saying,

"I'm not a good man." 

To which I replied,

"I'm sure you have good in you."

They thanked me and left.

Christ, the ultimate man-symbol of love, teaches me daily what it means to follow Him. It means to become a stronger woman.

And sometimes He teaches me that women can teach men too.