DISABILITY

LIVING ON THE EDGE

Brent Anderson

As we strive to understand human nature, it is important to always remember that our circumstance in life is largely determined by the random shuffling of genes. Because of this, men and women, when judged for any natural ability, will fall into a probability spectrum varying from a small number with almost no ability to an equally small number with very high ability. If we are more specific and define the subject ability as that most important of human abilities, social prowess, then we may be more able to relate to actual people and circumstance. In the middle of the spectrum we find the majority, or the “normal” group, with regard to social ability. By definition then, the two far ends of this spectrum become the abnormal, but for those with high ability this is a boon, rather than disadvantage. Unfortunately in this case it is easy for those who are normal or gifted to forget, that where anyone falls within the group is essentially chance created by the random shuffle of genes.

In the natural world they who are born with below par social grace, might well suffer an early death at the hands of the normal population. Most, if not all, of us have experienced an almost visceral discomfort when in the company of those who are not normal at some point in our lives. This is a natural feeling, and we can see its results within the animal kingdom where the strong harass, and perhaps peck the weak to death. However, if we are discerning, we can see this same process is repeated within the human population. To understand we have only to remember our school years and the sometimes-vicious methods children use to establish social dominance. (Do not be fooled adults practice the same methods but with a great deal more cunning.) We certainly don’t have to go back as far as the Salem Witch Trials to find individuals who have been hounded to death by the petty struggles of those seeking power. Always those who are different seem to be viewed with suspicion, and are an easy target if a scapegoat is needed. This is the natural law that is practiced by natural men and women even today in our enlightened times.

We all have been asked by our Savior Jesus the Christ to live a higher law. Simply stated, He asks us to forsake the natural law and love all men and women as ourselves. The simplicity of this request seemingly challenges a significant proportion of our population beyond their ability. So despite our Savior’s entreaty, the abnormal are still persecuted. Perhaps this goes on within our own communities today.

We have all puzzled over the reason for those who are born amongst us with disability. In the past, and perhaps the present, some have presumed that these disabilities reflect the relative worth of the souls of those so blessed. Perhaps the parents sinned, or perhaps the individual displeased our Father who is God before coming to this Earth. Our Brother and Savior Jesus the Christ tried to set the minds of those who so conjecture straight on this matter, but still the undercurrent of belief in some primordial lack of worth lingers within the communal thought processes.

Have you seen a homeless person or a person with a mental handicap and thought these dark things of your brother or sister? Have you been guilty of judging those who are not as bright, or good looking, or heaven forbid “different”, by ignoring their need to be loved and cherished as a member of your own family? Have you ever thought to yourself “thank goodness that I am righteous and was not born to this disadvantage”? Perhaps instead you should look at your brother or sister and think “what a brave and noble spirit to have volunteered to come to this life in such poor circumstance”. Perhaps we all should wonder if these were not the most blessed of spirits to have such great challenge given them in this life? These are our Brothers and Sisters and they are of infinite worth to our Father.

Brothers and Sisters, there are those living on the Earth these days that are spurned, humiliated and persecuted. (Perhaps their handicaps are a test of the normal to see if they can develop compassion and love for all?) These are those who knew that they would be facing great challenge in this life, but felt that for their own good they should be tested with even greater adversity than average. Was this pride on their part? I think not. As we stood before the Father prior to this Earth we were flushed with the accomplishment of passing all the tests to arrive at the final test. Most, if not all, of us thought we could pass this last test without even trying. Our naiveté was natural, for none of us had ever had the experience of living and making decisions while isolated from our Family’s direct and omnipresent spiritual guidance. Who then among us did not believe we could handle any adversity that might come our way? To a few, the Father in his wisdom granted extra adversity because he thought they could handle it. These are our Brothers and Sisters who are in our midst who can function in society, but yet are not the beautiful, clever, or accepted by society.

There are others who come to this Earth so profoundly handicapped that they are not able to function in society or understand the concepts of salvation. They are the innocents among us who cannot be tested because of mental inability. They provide for us a tool for increasing our love and character. These are our Father’s Children as much as we. They represent a font of love into which we can dip our souls and come forth with an understanding of the magnitude of our Savior’s love.

Dear brother and sister, will you listen with your hearts and souls? If you do, you will hear the suffering of those souls who, rather than being despised, should be our heroes. In our pride, do we ignore those who are in need saying they deserve their plight because they are lazy, dumb, or different? This, then, is our challenge. Minister to the downtrodden and bring to them love and solace. Show them that you personally love and care for them. Give them the love and affection that the natural world denies them. Remember the dwindling needs of those who have grown old, and can no longer support themselves. They are all our beloved Brothers and Sisters with whom we stood as equals before we came to this Earth. They may not be comely or intelligent in their earthly guise, but we loved them dearly as our Brothers and Sisters before the world. Lastly, always remember our Savior’s words “Do you love me? Then feed my sheep”!