Looking Forward to NEW
“It'll just take a sec” you tell yourself as you pull into the disabled parking spot.
“I'll go real fast” you say as you hop into the handicap stall in the bathroom.
Coming out of the store with your "quick" purchase you see a mom unloading her child's 300 pound chair from the only available parking spot she could find 75 yards from the entrance.
Do you wonder if the person waiting for the disabled stall in the public restroom wet their pants because they couldn't maneuver their chair into the only other available stall?
When you see someone with a broken arm or on crutches do you open the door for them? If they tell you how the injury happened, do you reply, "I'm sorry" ?
Empathy is much different than sympathy. Empathy is putting yourself in someone else's place to understand them better. Sympathy is feeling sorrow, or sorry, for someone.
People with disabilities, handicaps or as I like to say, “differences” are many times differently-abled, not un-abled. They may not be able to do things the way others who don't experience the same issues and most often, they really don't want your sympathy. They don't want you to tell them you're sorry. They want you to treat them as you would anyone else. They've dealt with their issues for a long time and are likely proud of the way they've overcome obstacles. Being in public is a big deal for them and it takes a lot of effort, physically and emotionally. Don't be sorry for them, be proud FOR them!
When my daughter was four or five she saw a little girl in the pharmacy being pushed in a wheelchair. She didn't think twice, she dropped my hand and walked right up to that little girl and said, "I like your purple cast." That little girl looked up at my daughter and smiled brighter than an LED bulb!
My daughter didn't see anything “wrong”, she saw a girl in purple, her favorite color, and complimented on the child, the person, and got a smile in return.
The best Concierge I've ever experienced had Downs Syndrome. The happiest person I've ever met had AHT, SBS known as shaken baby syndrome. The only one who correctly identified what happened when we saw the twin towers being hit was bipolar. The most careful sacker my former grocery store was autistic and I always tried to get in his line. Two of the smartest people I've met had MS and Cerebral Palsy. The kid that changed the direction of my life over twenty years ago was mentally retarded and non-verbal. The most non-judgmental, welcoming, loving people I know have “differences”. They may very well be handicapped, but they are far from not being able in their own way. Often they see beyond YOUR differences and love you as you are.
Admittedly, I’ve also known some folks with varied diagnoses that weren’t very happy about it. Who would be? One lady I know for a fact was tired of explaining to people why she didn’t always use her wheelchair and she was a little frustrated with those who don’t seem to have manners. Her body didn’t always cooperate, but her mind was 110%.
I also knew a boy with Spina bifida that was just angry all the time. It was hard to blame him given the fact that his mind wanted to do so many things that his body just wasn’t able to, but grace is a wonderful gift and with it he was able to accomplish more than a lot of kids do these days.
Some countries do unimaginable things to people with differences. God made every single one of us in His image. We’re all created equally in His eyes, why can’t we all see each other that way? We all have the ability to do great things. The world is full of great examples of amazing people who have overcome their physical, emotional and economical boundaries.
I see my differences as uniqueness. Sure, I hate having a neuromuscular disease, but I can still be thankful. I’m very grateful for all the abilities I do have. Knowing I have a God who loves me, a Savior who died for me and a Heaven to get to makes me want to keep going. Keep serving. Keep trying to be a better servant and make others want to also. Trust me, it’s a daily struggle, but the payoff will be worth it!
Work with what you’ve got. Make it count. Be empathetic not judgmental. Your situation could change in an instant.
Hebrews 12:1 “...and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
**Philippians 3: 20 “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ; (21) Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”
THANK GOD! I look forward to a new and perfect body, for everyone!
All that believe that is…
St John 3:16
