Hospitality: It's Not Just 4 Da Peeps In My Posse

Ever avoid somebody because they're so ... well, er, different than you are? My own lack of hospitality to a stranger was revealed on a flight from Louisville to Boston. I’d secured an aisle seat towards the front and was looking forward to reading my book in peace.

I was hoping I’d have all three seats in the row to myself when a girl dressed in tight black clothes -- part Goth, part trash queen -- pushed past my knees. She swore as she stumbled into the window seat. Noting her spiky black hair, pale skin, tattoo, and the hook dangling from a pierced lip that accentuated her angry expression, I knew I didn’t have to worry about making small talk. This rebel would have nothing to say to a nerdy older person like me.

I went back to my book, but as the plane began to gather speed for takeoff, I noticed the Goth princess hugging herself tightly. I looked over. No way! Yes! This pierced and tattooed alien who’d used the "F-word" instead of "excuse me" was actually ... crying.

My maternal instincts shifted from neutral into high gear. "What’s the matter, sweetheart?" I asked.

"I’m — I’m scared of flying!" she blurted out frantically. An open hand, green fingernails, skull ring, and all, was thrust into the empty seat between us. "Could you hold my hand — just during takeoff and landing?"

I did, of course. She let go only once we were high in the air with the seatbelt sign turned off, and I dried my sweaty palm surreptitiously. My row-mate kept her nose (and hooked lip) plastered against the window and didn’t say a word the whole flight. About twenty minutes before we were scheduled to land, the same open hand plunked down on the empty seat between us. Again I took it, and again she clutched mine until we reached the gate.

We parted without saying much, but I’ll always be thankful for the way this particular traveling companion forced me into being hospitable. Her vulnerability exposed my condemnation and kindled a courtesy that had been lacking in my heart. And anybody representing the King of hospitality must be armed with courtesy, ready for all the green-tipped hands reaching out for His.