Never judge a book by its cover...or its orthopedic shoes.

I look relatively healthy. I mean sure, I could be a little more fit, but I think we can all say that. When people hear about all of my medical problems, they look at me in shock. Usually I am smiling or joking around as I tell them about all these serious illnesses. Then they say, "Are you going to die??" Yes, I am, but so are you. We are all dying. But while I am dying, I am also trying to live. This sounds so cliche, but sometimes people really have no idea what living with a medical condition is like. I don't want people to feel sorry for me and most of the time I don't even want them to mention my conditions, but I do want them to be aware for my sake and others.

That person you give a dirty look to for taking the elevator up one story: they may be in pain every time they take a step.

That person who looks out of shape because they are short of breath after walking one block: they may have a heart condition.

The person who you think must have been out partying last night because they fell asleep in class: they are always tired and fatigued no matter how much sleep or rest they get.

That person who people laugh at for tripping over her own two feet all the time: she may have a disorder that causes her ankles to give out all of the time.

The person who you think is lazy and rude because she is carrying a bag of chips in the grocery store while her mother carries two cartons of pop and a bag of potatoes: they may have a serious heart condition that prevents them from lifting anything remotely heavy.

The person who parks in a handicapped spot and then gets out and walks into the store like nothing is wrong with them: they may be almost in tears from the pain they are feeling when they move.

I know about all of these things because I live them everyday. I live all except the handicapped parking, which is encouraged by parents and doctors, but I refuse because I am too prideful. I admit that I am too prideful to deal with the judgement of others, the questions, and the weird looks that would come with having a handicapped sticker. Hopefully one day I can get over this because I know I will need it.

Every single day, someone is misjudged in this world. I know I have done my fair share of judging others, but  having these medical conditions has made me take a step back and really think. It had made me try to see people instead of situations. It has made me strive to see everyone as God's precious child instead of someone to judge out of selfishness. It has made me look for the good in others and always consider what could be happening in their world.

When I struggle with judging others I pray for God to help me see all people as His children. I know how I feel when I get judgmental glances and I do not want to make another person feel that same way. We need to see and treat one another as the children of the King and instead of spreading our misjudgment  we need to  share His love.