Hope can be a double edge sword. On one hand, you want to hope things will get better. But on the other, if you hope too much, you are left with heartache. The events of this past week in Paris have prompted the writing of this article. It is my hope that the cowardly attacks on the people of Paris will bring a swelling of goodwill and peace. I also hope that these attacks on innocent people show all the young people thinking of joining ISIS that this is a group of murderers and cowards. I say this because they carried out their attacks on innocent people. I hope the outpouring of goodwill towards the people of Paris continues. There is so much hatred toward ISIS and talk of retribution.
Fighting hate with hate, does that not mean that ISIS wins? I am not sure about you but, my mom taught me that two wrongs do not make a right. Will we allow a few to determine how the many react? Would it not be better if we surprised them and showered them with love and compassion? Where is the silent majority? When will they/we speak up? What has happened to the followers of ISIS the generated so much hatred? If they are fighting for such a noble cause why do they hide behind masks?
I am not well read on any one of the religious teachings. However, it is my understandings from what I know of several different religions that you are suppose to extend the olive branch to your enemies and those who hurt you. In Christianity there is the Golden Rule "Do Unto Others as You Would Have Done Unto You." Buddha preached peace. Most Muslims say that religion is peaceful. So again I ask, if all of the world's religions preach peace, why is ISIS thriving?
My heart breaks for the people of Paris as I write this. I cannot however help but see the parallels on how people with disabilities are seen. There are times I almost feel like people fear me because I am different. Then there are other times when I am talking with other people that have disabilities and feel the opposite. So no matter which group you are in, you fear the group you are not part of.
I am here to tell you that people with disabilities, whether it is a visible disability or not, are people first! We do not need your pity, and we do not want to be treated like we are invisible. We may do things a little differently, but generally we are like you. We laugh, we cry, we love, we fear. Many people with disabilities were once able-bodied. This is something you cannot tell by looking at someone.
The escalation of ISIS terrorism will lead to more and more people with disabilities. So if you take anything away from this article please, take these two points. First, send love to the world and try to love the people who do wrong by you. If you lead by example and show them what love and religion is suppose to be we can hopefully make the world a better place. The second point is that people with disabilities are just like everyone else. My hope is that we as a human race can start treating each other with the respect and dignity we would like to have afforded to us.
Please remember that not all Muslims are part of ISIS nor do they support ISIS. Please do not condemn all Muslims based on the acts of a radical few.
Remember that we have Christians that wear robes and call themselves the Klu Klux Klan. We need to teach more understanding and compassion. Just because someone does not look like you or practice the same religion that you do does not automatically make them bad.
"The greatest impact we can have on our family, our friends, and our world is our kindness and love. Your love is more powerful than your words or your actions." -- Jonathan Lockwood Huie