When I look at my own life though the challenges I face. The biggest problem that I tend to run into is this rather quick rush to judgement about me due to the nature of my disabilities. Though out the course of my life I've had some pretty nasty stuff directed at me as the years have moved on. People are constantly questioning my motives. Or even worse they don't believe me because I don't fit into those narrow boxes of what people who have a disability should look or act like. It has lead to harassment and at times discrimination.
Going to school was a challenge because I was picked on and bullied a lot. I had to endure so much in school because for some reason the kids felt that I was different. That didn't get any easier as an adult and even now I still face that kind of discrimination that is often overlooked and at times justified. Often by well meaning people who don't realize that such actions and words are noticed. Sometimes they hurt even when that is not their intention. It seems that having a disability, especially an invisible one, still has some kind of stigma attached to it.
Everything that is negative being thrown at you can easily wear you down. If your not careful it can lead you down to a very nasty place if you let it. By the Grace of God I am still standing. As a Catholic I have been able to rely on my faith during some of the more challenging moments of my life. Though Christ I have learned to try, as much as I can, to take the high road. Doing what I can to not hold on to the anger. I realize that some people just don't understand. They do not know what it is like to live with a disability. More so if it is one of the ones not easily seen. They will also be the ones who won't take the time to try and understand. In Matthew 5:7 it says: "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be
shown mercy." Part of taking that high road is to follow that wisdom: I have forgiven a lot of people because of their ignorance. My hope is that by talking about what I've faced that I can open up people's eyes a little bit. I pray that people would have some empathy before they make that kind of a rush to judgement.
It seems so easy for our logical minds to put people into boxes as this or that when we should be looking at persons made in the image and likeness of God without judgment. We're all unique. No two of us are alike.
ReplyDeleteI think people look on the outside and don't bother to ask questions about what they can't see. Blessed are the merciful for they will obtain mercy🙏. Thank you for sharing what you've been through.