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I woke up this morning still thinking about these guys and Michael Phelps, and then I got on the defense when someone questioned my husband's diet. I thought, "It's none of your business what he eats!" "How dare you judge him!" Yet, yesterday at the circus I was doing the exact same thing. Not only was I judging the guys in the rings, I was judging the larger lady sitting next to my husband and the guy two rows in front of us who likely bought two tickets for the two chairs he was taking up due to his size. How dare I judge them! Who do I think I am?! One year ago I was one of those big people, being judged constantly and I hated it. I could see judging eyes every where we went. I stayed in my house an awful lot to avoid those judgmental glances. And here I am doing the same thing. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but feel that I need to be open to this so that if you're able to relate to it, you'll stop this judgmental behavior with me. Everyone deserves to be loved and to be treated with love and respect no matter what their size is. Shame on me for forgetting that!
6 comments:
What an honest post. I find myself doing the same thing, although I've got weight to lose. What's that Bible verse about taking the plank out of your own eye? I think it always comes down to viewing the world with God's eyes. Easier said than done, but something to strive for.
Well said! =)
I've noticed this in myself too...it's an ugly thing to admit, but it's true. I'm working on it and am glad you are too.
Putting yourself in someone else's shoes is always the best way to go. I had an experience in high school that changed my life. I was a caregiver for a disabled woman. She was smart as a whip,graduated from Berkley, but born without use of her arms, & legs. We'd go out to restaurants and sight seeing. I remember particualarly at the zoo. No one would look at us. You could feel mothers moving their heads away, telling their children not to look. It was worse than if they had stared at you. I felt completely outcast. And my boss got this treatment her whole life. Yes, don't judge and don't ignore people either. Everyone has issues, some show more than others. Some people have old clothes,some are fashion chic, some people are fat,some are too thin, some are of different religions, political mindset, color etc. Most people appreciate when you are friendly. And most people don't get mad at someone who is friendly. Smile, say hi. Little things make a big difference.
A good post Annie :)
You are so right. We have to extend the mercy/grace to people, the compassion, the empathy, that we'd want for our own selves, fat or thin.
I tend to pray when I see morbidly obese people, just a quickie prayer on the spot, that they are able to develop good habits that suit them and their lives for health. I know when I was M.O. and 300 lbs, I was NOT happy with my body, and I hid away, and I had a hard time moving wihtout pain, and stairs were horrible, and finding clothes was horrible..and finding shoes..etc.
So, I know what it feels like, and I don't want it for them anymore than I wanted it for me.
But we never know the whys? Medical conditions, special jobs (like those strongmen), or where they are in their journey.
Not everyone is eating crap. When I began blogging about weight loss, I had a hard time losing..took me 3 years just to lose 20 lbs. BUT..I was eating really healthy: joined an organic coop, got vegan raw meals delivered some weeks, shopped at Whole Foods, went to Farmer's markets....but a lot of good food is still too much food. It was just one step to getting to my point of change.
Every person we pass in our day, up to the heaviest ones in scooters, deserves love and grace...everyone should be seen through eyes that say, "I wish you only good."
What a great post! I've been there too, and I try to remember not to judge too.
I have a harder time with those around me who complain about their size, and say they want to do something, yet make poor choices. But you know what? It's their life, and I can't know what they are going through! All I can do is try to offer support and friendship.
Thanks for the reminder!
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