Pages

Friday, July 29, 2022

Reflection 9/28

 

The more I look at the world. The more I have come to understand that it will always be in a state of constant and unending chaos. Something will always be happening. Events on the national stage. Things going on in our own towns and cities. Or closer to home with a family challenge or health crisis. For me it is not always easy to understand what is going on around me. Just feels like at times, it never really seems to end. Whatever peace I have managed to gain lasts for but a moment. Then the storm fires up again and I'm back where I started. 

As I walk on this journey of faith. I see this happening more in my life. It catches me off guard and often times I am gripped with a level of anxiety that is way out of my control. It twists and turns like the endless roller coaster seeking to throw me off the track and into the abyss. A constant challenge to navigate through the storm. More so when my reactions are not of my own desire or choosing. 

Even when the storms feel at their worse, I have still managed to remain grounded and still on the train. Thanks to my deep faith in Christ and by extension the Catholic Church. My faith is something that I hold on to and fully embrace. As believers we are called to do just that. Even when our own reactions are not ours to decide. For me at least, by fully accepting Christ, I have given up my own earthly desires and surrender myself to God's great plan. As difficult of a road that is to be on most times. 

The older I get. The more I know and understand that in my life I will always face some kind of storm. Even with all that goes on I take great comfort in my faith in Christ. Taking comfort in understanding and believing in the power of prayer. If I am to be known for anything in this life. Best to be known as a man of unwavering faith. Even when the anxiety reaches the most dramatic of levels. 

Posted by at 1 comment:

Sunday, July 24, 2022

A lesson on Ableism

 



Ableism.

This is a word that seem to be appearing more in our society and yet does not get enough attention. If anything, it is overlooked and minimized. If you are someone who has a challenge or disability. You've probably run into this word more than a few times.

What is ableism? It is pretty much discrimination and social prejudice against people with disabilities or who are perceived to be disabled. Often times this is by people who are well meaning but have a complete misunderstanding of the challenges and struggles that we (those with disabilities) face.

How and what form this takes varies from person to person. It can be simple as asking someone "what is wrong with them" as it relates to a specific challenge. Telling someone that they "don't look like they have a disability" even if it is meant as a compliment. Or in some other extremes. Assuming someone's challenge is the result of some kind of laziness or lack of exercise.

Many of us in the community face this kind of stuff on a daily basis. Sometimes it is very minor. Other times it is more extreme. In those cases, it can test our own ability to remain calm and collected even though the world comes across as being against us.

At the core of the issue with ableism is that it removes the dignity of those with disabilities. The world does not always have a mindset of being more open to those who are not "normal". It is more than contending with basic accommodations though. More along the lines of having a better attitude when it comes to being accepting. We should take great effort to make sure that we are not passing extreme judgement on those who face challenges. Nor do anything that would minimize and devalue the issues that we have to take on daily.

Author's note: I use the words "challenge" and "disability" almost interchangeably. Not everyone sees their challenge as a disability. Nor does everyone see their disability as a challenge.

Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)