We have all done it at one point or another. We’ve been quick to judge someone as “less-than.” We’ve lifted our noses because something in or about them is different or awkward, strange or uncomfortable, or contrary to our beliefs.
No matter who they are, where they’ve been, or what they’ve done, they still have worth—they have value. You have value. It’s the age-old adage of not judging a book by its cover; appearances are indeed deceiving. We have all been given different gifts in different proportions, and while you may have a lesser ability or talent in one area, it isn’t to say that you are in fact “less-than;” your gift may much greater in something else.
If we take the time (make the effort) to know someone beyond our comfortable, superficial ways, we discover that we are all more alike than we are different. We have hopes and fears and joys and tears. We have dreams and loss, disappointments and desires. And the one thing we all share is the desire—no the need—to be loved.
If you don’t humble yourself and step down from your own unstable, self-created pedestal to mingle with and show love to the “less-thans,” not only are you full of yourself, but you are fooling yourself. The only true “less-thans” are those who paint themselves as “more-than.” Who do you really want to be?
UPDATE — My friend, Dave, recently shared these words on his Facebook wall. One of his friends (Sam Mc) posted a very thoughtful and insightful response that I think is brilliantly stated. I considered writing another post in which I would expand upon the things she said, but I thought her words are perfect. She addresses the opposite side of the coin in which we sometimes feel as though we are the “less-thans” and as such, we judge others in a different way. Thank you, Sam.
You know, it’s funny, Dave. I have never judged the “less-thans” and always recognized that everyone has a different story. However, as I get older I realize that my judging has been harsh on what Timothy calls the “more-thans.” In doing so, I judge myself as well. I determine that they are better than me and that I would never add up, that my opinions don’t matter as much as theirs, and then avoid them. So, not only do I tear myself apart in that – but I tear them apart as well. How is it my place to determine if someone who appears to have better, be better, etc is “too good” for me. And in doing that, we alienate those who we define as our “more-thans” in life. So, I am working on that side of it.
Please share this with others