Christian Living
Introduction to Invisible Illness
What is an Invisible Illness? An "invisible illness" is a disease undiscernable simply by looking at someone. It can be emotional, mental, or physical. A few examples include but are not limited to: Diabetes,Fibromyalgia, spinal conditions in the early to moderate stages,Depression,and Anxiety.
As Christians, we should be showing compassion to those in need without there being an official law on the books. However, there is a law in America called, The American Disabilities Act. It is meant to guarantee disabled people are treated fairly in the work place, at school and other public places. Accommodations are expected to be made to meet their needs within reason. Unfortunately this law does not always get followed and the care giver, as well as the patient, need to be prepared to speak up.
There is no "Judgment Free Zone"
Okay, let me start off by saying no one on this Earth is perfect. We have all made mistakes in the past and hopefully learned from them. Remember that in Romans, the Bible tells us all mankind falls short.
As we previously discussed, our mind wakes up each day making judgements. Any workout gym, church, temple, school...whatever...that tells you they are a judgment free zone is a liar. This does not mean these places are bad or their management disingenuous. All it means is that they are human just like you. Besides, it is often a higher up authority figure than the local management that determines the business slogan. So go easy on the local management.
You might be thinking, "Well, you have just never been hurt bad by these people before...just wait..." That would not be true, I have cried more tears in the past at the hands of well-meaning trainers, ministers, doctors and people I thought were friends then we have time to discuss. Some of the 'social blunders' people have aimed at me or my loved ones in the past include: "You don't look sick", "Your spouse/child/partner (whomever) appears to functional", "You just want the meds, you don't need them", "God will heal them if you just believe strong enough" and "You need to both go home, we can't accommodate you here".
I had to learn to go enjoy myself at the gym, school, park or wherever anyway. Jesus gave me the compassion to realize everyone has something they struggle with and all of us prefer not being judged. It is better if you leave your score card at home & don't be too ready to judge these places of business.
Also, be ready to forgive yourself and apologize to others when you don't leave the score card at home. Believe me, it happens from time to time. You've had a long hard week and the least little thing is going to challenge your Christ-like attitude. It's alright to ask for a do-over that is what forgiveness is all about, friend.
Now, if you have an issue with a business or individual does that mean you say nothing. No, it means you politely approach an authority figure (manager, principle, park ranger, etc) and voice your concern. The first step to making the public more aware of invisible illness is to educate them. People are more willing to learn if you are not confrontational about the issues at hand.
Remember me saying that 'everyone has something they struggle with' ?
Well, some people struggle with how to process stress. The person whom was rude to you in the library could be having a bad time at work. That guy cutting you off in traffic may have a family emergency. The preacher teaching against gluttony is probably not aware that some medications cause severe weight gain. My point is that you do not know what is going on in their life any more than they know what is going on in your life.
If tolerance has to start somewhere than let it start with your compassionate heart.
How Do We Bring Change?
The best advice I can give to changing public opinion is simply "Just Be Yourself." Advocating for the person with a disability in your life and those in your local community. If you throw up your hands and declare, "Ah, they don't believe me" or "Nothing is ever going to change about people's attitudes" --- no change will come for sure.
Get involved in both social and political events which will increase education and improve laws. Join online and offline support groups that are actively working to make these disabilities less invisible.
Speak Up!
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