Alright people I’m a little fired up today.  This month is Autism awareness, Child Abuse Awareness, National Mental Health Month, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.  Why do we need months of the year designated to remember that these things exist and we need to be compassionate about them?

Here’s the thing, we are judging each other left and right.  Why is that lady acting so crazy?  What is up with that kid?  That parent needs to do someone about that child’s behavior.  You’ve read the quote many times on social media….”You never know what kind of battle someone is fighting.  Be kind and watch you words.”  Well your words are also you facial expression, body language, and the conversation that you have with your friends.

Everyone, and I really mean everyone, is fighting a battle that you probably don’t know about.  There are so many silent diagnoses that we don’t wear like a scarlet letter on our chest.  And yet you make many assumptions about the inadequacies of others.

A child having a meltdown at the grocery store may be over stimulated, traumatized, or terrified.  If you knew that would you look at them the same way and have the same comments in your head?

The person who looks over their shoulder repeatedly or instantly changes their behavior is likely fearing for their life and panicking.  You have no idea what happened to them to make them think that way.

The person with the handicap placard may not need a wheelchair but may be using the last bit of their energy to buy food for their family that they are working to support.

People silently suffer and struggle to get through life and overcome their challenges, become better, more productive human beings.  Child grow, learn, and develop by the way the world and adults support and treat them.  And many of you judge them silently because you have the privilege of not having that extra hurtle in your life.

I work with people who struggle with these issues and they always say, “But what will people think if they found out?  Should we tell people?  But what if it happens in public?”  They truly fear you, your thoughts, and judgement.

I truly believe that God looked at each one of us and thought the world needs you.  I may never understand why and you many never understand why.  But try to look for the lesson, the meaning, the understanding and let yourself grow a little in that moment.  Sometimes this may be offering help, sometimes that may being an example of how to act, redirecting attention, speaking up if you are brave enough.  It’s up to you to be more compassionate and understanding then spread that like wild fire.

Every month should be compassion awareness month, how about we just put that on our calendars.