At each institution, they watched as she treated the patients with respect. She talked with them and laughed with them, learned their stories and their names, and most noticeably, she touched them.
She did not touch them with disdain, nor did she limit her contact to a blouse-covered shoulder. No, she ran her hands over the very limbs that were affected by the disease that had left so many people mutilated.
When images of the Princess cradling a leper's hand in her own hit the media, the result was amazing. For the first time, people saw that the stigma attached to leprosy was perhaps not so great as they imagined. They realized that if the Princess was not afraid of contracting the disease, they ought not be frightened either.
It's not so much the people afflicted with white spots on their skin that I have been thinking of. Instead, my thoughts have wondered to those with black spots on their hearts.
Do you and I take the time to show them we care? Do we listen to their stories of disappointments and mistakes and take the time to empathize? Is it below us to lay a hand on their shoulder, or do we flinch away from too much contact? Do I gossip about the things they have done and point from afar at the abnormalities they seem to have?
You and I are not heirs to the British throne, but we are royalty. Our Father is the King. Do I have the courage to step up and set an example of real love and caring to those around me, or will I turn my nose up at those who need a Father the most?
It takes courage to step up and show you care. May you and I be very careful that our light does not go dim!
That's interesting that you have had much the same thoughts as me. I was impressed to by Princess Diana's actions who showed me how a Princess should behave.
ReplyDeleteGoes well with an article I just read about showing compassion and walking alongside people, getting to know their stories and why they are the way they are....thanks, Nettie!
ReplyDeleteLove this post! 👑 💞
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