The Many Flavors of “No”

I am not one who likes to say “no.” I am naïve enough to believe that most of us feel that way. Telling someone “no” makes me squirm, even if it’s a reasonable response. But I never experienced first-hand the many shapes and forms that the word “no” can take.

If you’ve ever had to sell something, you know how uncomfortable it is to push your product. My co-author Sharon and I recently held several book signings for our new devotional book, Outta My Mind, Into His Heart. We had a table set up inside the entrance to the Barnes & Noble bookstores, making it inevitable to avoid walking past us. Neither of us has strong sales skills, so we took a subtle approach.

One hour into our book signing, we had a grand total of one book sold! We began entertaining ourselves with how the next person would say “no” when we asked a question. “Would you be interested in a devotional book?” or “How about a new devotional book?” (We quit asking early on, “Would you be interested in a devotional book about mental health?”)

In an effort to find humor amidst our gloom, I started recording people’s responses. Perhaps you will enjoy their many flavors of “no” as we did.

The polite approach, which is what most people have:

• “I think we’re okay today. Thanks.”
• “Aw no, I’m all set.”
• “We’ll talk about it.”
• “No, but I appreciate y’all being here today.”
• The ever popular – “No, thank you, not today.”

The direct approach:

• “Oh, n-n-n-no, no.”

The “acknowledge and dismiss” approach:

• “I’ll think about it.” (My personal favorite.)
• “I’ll come back later” (but they never do.)
• “Yes, I’ll look at it” (as they walk away).

The “try to ignore” approach:

• Glance and smile as they walk by without a word.
• The not-so-inconspicuous evil side-eye.
• The always funny questioning face (Why are you here in this bookstore selling your books?)

The guilt-ridden approach:

• The Bible flash (That definitely gave us a good laugh!)
• “No, but I’m going to church in the morning.”
• Hands are full of Starbucks drinks, so they cannot look at books.

The creative approach:

• “I’m emotional enough!” (Whaaaat? YOU totally need a book!)
• “I’m waiting on my paycheck.” (Then why did you come to the bookstore?)
• “I’m looking for fiction.”
• “I’m saving my money.” (Good luck with that here!)
• “My brother does, but he wouldn’t read it!”

At one bookstore, we saw brown paper-wrapped books being taunted as mystery books. Several people left the store with one or two of these in their arms. We questioned if our books might sell better if we wrapped them up and peddled them as a mystery purchase. Hmm, we thought. They would be surprised, alright. We laughed it off and decided we liked our cover too much. Plus, it would defeat our purpose.

In our boredom, we began assessing the different folks entering the store. Some came in with purpose; others strolled in wearing teen-iny shorts or skirts (maybe cheerleading outfits?) and laughing with their friends. There was Gath. Yep, he needs one. Tattoos and purple hair. She definitely needs one. There were families, boyfriends/girlfriends, mamas with babies, businessmen and women, people in tight clothes, people in pajama-like clothes, and, Lord help us, pregnant women in eye-popping outfits. Many came in and took an immediate left. We finally figured out they were going to Starbucks. Forget books. Forget us. They were only interested in their strawberry refresher drink or caramel macchiato.

The Common Denominator

We could generalize and say that all of these people have something in common: they were saying “no” to mental health and the hope of Christ. I know it was just a book, but the truth is many do say “no” to their mental health and the hope Christ can bring into their lives.

This month has been set aside as Mental Health Awareness Month. How many of you take the time to consciously address your mental health in appropriate ways? Sleep, nutrition, exercise, deep breathing, and meditation are some of the ways that come to mind.  

The Scripture in I Peter 1:13 calls for mental health awareness and holy living. “So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.” Here’s another good one in Romans 8:6. “So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” I love it! Faith meets mental health.

A massive study from Gallup and the Radiant Foundation found measurable proof that religion and spirituality positively benefit mental health. That’s no surprise to those of us who lean on God daily.

Still, allow research (if need be) to steer you to say “yes” and be blessed by having a relationship with Jesus Christ and to be more aware of taking care of your mental health. And if you may be so inclined, you can also say “yes” to our book on Amazon at this link: https://www.amazon.com/Outta-Mind-Into-His-Heart/dp/1962168204/.