human.kind.

 This topic has been rattling around in my head for a while now, years actually.

Maybe it was even as a child..
I pointed at someone and said:

"Look Mom, they're weird!"

She gently corrected (as she often still does).. "we don't say weird dear, they are just different".

I wonder what is it about humankind that we find it so hard to live up to our name... 

so quick to judge than be gentle

so quick to criticize than to compliment

I know we're all broken people, but do we have to point out the cracks in others to feel like ours are more hidden?

Does it always have to be about 'us' vs.'them'... that by distancing ourselves we are somehow more superiour?  Forgive me for saying 'we' if you think this doesn't apply to you... but in my 30+ years on this planet I'm noticing a habit in our hearts.

Judging is easier than loving.

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An example, I used to think Moms with those kids that have a complete tantrum in the store.. were just bad at parenting.

Then I had kids, then I knew... we're trying our best, but the kids still throw fits.

 

Or the kid who's always causing trouble in the neighbourhood,

smashing toys, harassing others...  'what a punk!' we say.

Then at night I hear his father screaming obscenities at him. 

How about the overweight girl with greasy hair,

maybe she's just got bad 'self-esteem' or can't control her appetite?

Truth is she's been sexually assaulted in the past.. and now hides behind her weight.

She fears to look 'desirable' and risk further abuse.

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Just a few horrid examples, terrible moments in my heart where I'm guilty of judging instead of loving.

I think I need this quote tattooed on the back of my eyelids.

I also remember reading a quote about how 'we sin to the degree by which we treat others as objects.. not subjects' ... and that has stuck with me.  If we are simply using people for what they can offer.benefit.provide us... they're objectified. 

A simple example: the cashier at the grocery store... do we interact with them graciously, or grumble at the time it takes for them to ring up our receipt?

Every body has a story.

Let's treat each other that way, especially when we're so prone to judge them by the cover on their 'book'.

Whether they're covered in tattoos, or piercings.

No matter their skin colour.

Regardless of economic standing.

Every soul is precious in the sight of God.

Let's treat others as we wish to be treated.

Personally, I always have a much better day when I choose to flex my heart muscle and love others.  The days I'm weak and settle for judging makes me feel like a puddle of poop in no time.

It's like any habit really, we have to fight to go against it.

(Case in point: cross your arms... notice which way you did it?  Try going the opposite direction now, weird right?)

So it feels strange, awkward... but the more we do it, the easier it gets.

I don't know about you, but I want it to be 'easier' to love others on a daily basis.

I pray the Spirit makes it harder for me to judge others as well... 

That's been on my heart lately,

thanks for letting me rant.

seeking to be mind.full and kind.full mama,

Mel ;o)

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Oh, and some outtakes to show I'm still weird different Mom! 

Pretty sure this face is what attracted Ben to me.

Mama-daughter dance party... a.k.a: Mama flails like deranged hippo, Azi hops like a bunny.