I do my best to let my life be my example. I live with love and compassion as my foundational guiding principles. I strive to accept people as they are, to meet them where they are, and to do whatever is in my power to help them get where they want to be. It is because of this that I can neither accept nor tolerate the spirit of moral superiority that empowers people to stand in judgment of others.
That grungy homeless guy sitting on the sidewalk mumbling incoherently while he begs for change? He’s not a “crazy crackhead”. Yeah, he uses meth. He’s also doing his best to survive schizophrenia and a lifetime of unimaginable trauma. He’s struggling, and when people struggle they need others to lift them up, not laugh while they’re down.
That bearded person in the grocery store wearing eyeliner and a flowery dress? They aren’t a “faggot” or a “he-she”. They’re gender nonconforming, genderfluid, or nonbinary. Their pronouns are they/them, and if you speak to or about them, you should address them as such. It’s not their job to make you feel comfortable any more than it is your job to make them feel uncomfortable.
It doesn’t matter if someone’s drug use or sexuality or wardrobe is a choice. It’s their choice to make. No one owes you the debt of living their life according to your opinions, even if those opinions are held under the umbrella of spiritual beliefs. Further, no one owes you an explanation for why they are living their life the way they do.
Don’t dim your light because others don’t want to see you shine. Shine as bright as you can and never forget that I love you.
Love,
