Labels are a great thing for cans or merchandise, but for people- labels really stink! I still cringe every time I hear some one say
“Oh, those “down syndrome kids”
or even worse the stereotype- “those downs kids” are so loving.”
My heart wants to cry out- my child is a “child” and her name is Bethany.
Why do we lump people together in catagories and label them like they were cans of merchandise on a shelf?
Do we say “oh those autistic kids? …..those cystic fibrosis kids? …..those dumb kids? ….. those retarded kids? We realize in most cases, it’s rude to lump people together by a negative title and it’s short-sighted to assume that “they” are all alike.
Bethany happens to have the chromosomal disorder called downs syndrome;
SHE is not Down Syndrome.
And, may I say for the record, she IS loving, but all my children are and she is so much more than that!
It is paramount we remember people are unique and made in the image of God. Don’t we all want to have our individuality recognized and applauded?
I’m probably over-reacting but I know it was like a knife in my gut when Bethany was little and someone asked how our “little downs girl” was doing! One person even asked how our “mongoloid” child was doing!!! My husband said, “Well, our daughter is doing great, but you’d better not let my wife hear you using the word mongoloid. That’s a word that definitely isn’t being used anymore.” Now that Bethany’s older, I find myself a little more understanding. Most people aren’t trying to be mean or cruel- they just don’t know or don’t think before they speak. I find myself wanting to “nicely” educate the general population.
The label that I claim and want to define my child (and myself) is “child of God”.
Surprising Treasure: There is liberation in rejecting the labels the world has and joy in receiving the label God offers you.
Dumb me! I just discovered a bunch of “hidden” posts, here, which you must have written before I made connections. (I was dismayed to find so much great writing with “No Comments” added, so I’m not the only one in this predicament, obviously.) It’s late and past bedtime, right now, but I shall return, Lord willing, to do more justice to your writing, my dear! Hugs!
As for labels, here’s my favorite: When my dad was hospitalized, near the end of his life, my sister Naomi, checking to see how he was, asked him, “Dad, do you know who you are?” He replied in his dear sweet voice, “I am Jesus’ little lamb.” 🙂 Aren’t we all!
Edy- thanks so much for going “backwards” to the beginning days of my blog!! Again, I don’t know how to thank you for your encouragement!
I love what your Dad said! Life can try to “strip” us of a lot of things- BUT Jesus is always there- holding onto us and making Himself known to us. He is the good shepherd and we are His lambs! What better place to be than safe in His arms???