An attitude Of Inclusivity

In discussion at the end of an anti-bullying workshop yesterday we were talking about differences in people.  That discussion prompted a memory for me. 

When I was at the hospital with my mother a couple of years ago there was a woman in the emergency department with her little baby about 2 years old.  I don't know for sure what condition this precious child had but what comes to mind is Progeria - the disease where people age rapidly at a very young age.  I couldn't imagine how this poor mother felt until I actually went over and spoke to her.  I said hello and then spoke to her baby who immediately took my finger and smiled at me as most babies would.  This mother said to me, and I quote, "Doesn't she frighten you?"  How horribly sad is that?  This poor mother lives in this world with her child and she worries that this angel of a baby frightens people.  I said, "No, she doesn't frighten me she is your angel."  I asked her name and the mother said it was Rachel.  The weariness showed in this poor lady.  I wish I had asked to keep in touch with her to support her if I could.

What we should remember as a society is that regardless of this child's looks there is a beautiful and precious soul in there that needs all of the same things we do.  She, her spirit, needs to feel love, nurturing and acceptance just as we do. Her soul will desire to experience success and fulfilment just like we do.  The fact that she looks different on the outside does not change who she is on the inside until she is treated differently, or horribly, by those who interact with her.

Much the same can be said for those with physical disabilities like having to use a wheelchair or assistive devices or have visible scarring.  They are beautiful, wonderful spirits who have challenges that we don't have but they also have the same desires that we have.  The same goes for different cultures, races, religions and sexual orientations.  They are spirits/souls and we should be conscious of that and not mistreat them.

So in light of the workshop, who are we to bully others?  Who are we to judge or offend others with our reactions to them?  Let your spirit acknowledge their spirit.

Let's appreciate and accept others regardless of circumstance.  Let's be all inclusive people!