Live for the good things

I read the following statement on Twitter (link): "He who was not welcomed understands all who are rejected...” in relation to the season of Advent. For Catholic Christians, Advent is a time of preparation and anticipation for the birth of Christ—the essence of Christmas.

We must call to mind that Christ was born in poverty and via ordinary lineage. That most of His life was lived in humility. I can only hope to be within the vicinity of what could be described as humble—I feel that there is much pride in me. In you. In all of us.

It is also noteworthy to remember that Christ was rejected—by the religious elders most of all, because they could not believe that this ordinary guy was the Messiah. Even then, elitism and implicit biases were prevalent just like in the present time.

I’ve regularly felt judged or rejected. It’s difficult not to compare and observe discrepancies in treatment, but for instance, since I’m currently a foreigner, it’s assumed that I am much less bright than the rest just because I was not in the area when this particular event happened at this particular time—or that I have no knowledge of this specific local political figure who held office in decades past. That’s how some domestics apply subtle exclusion of aliens—focus on minute local details to magnify how different certain individuals are.

During my early years in this new location, I’ve experienced being outcast in spite of satisfactorily doing what I’m supposed to do and mustering all efforts to achieve beyond what was expected. I knew that it was because I’m different. Am I glad my English is acceptable. Imagine if I had an incredibly heavy foreign accent—I would be dismissed without question. I remember being told in very slow English (like I was a kindergartener) “I understand that this is not your background....” I brushed it off and I forgave each time tactless remarks were spewed towards me.  I have also experienced being the one left standing to fend for myself, while others were given an unlimited supply of privilege and passes for things done in substandard, untimely ways or for divisive non-proactive behaviour. This certainly begs innumerable questions about treatment disparities. The weight of the crime is heavier on those who treat people inequitably compared to those who are lucky enough to possess privileged traits. I try to forgive...as in the biblical “seventy seven times” or more...but I never forget. I can’t forget.  It was deeply hurtful and I had been writing about it for the past three years.

I once posted IMF director Christine Lagarde’s words about how providence will take you to where you’re meant to be when you respect people and remember your worth. I’m happy to state that I’m currently in a good place. My recommendations based on experience: endure, keep one’s feet on the ground, do good despite people’s skepticism about goodness, try to attain humility, and walk away from toxic circumstances.


The point of this post: Catharsis is therapeutic. 

Thanks for coming to my TED talk...and Happy Christmas to one and all! *wink*