Embracing the Leper (Within)


It took me several days to put my entry inside the box... but God never fails me...
This was inspired by a reflection I had with Corinne Rodrigues' post at Everyday Gyaan:


http://www.everydaygyaan.com/2011/07/whats-behind-your-anger.html

I was having a hard time swallowing my sister's friendship with my former tagged friend...

She adamantly insists that it makes her happy. I would have felt the same, had she not been married. The time she spends with him meant less time with her daughter.

"Self-righteous!" she shouted at me one time while my niece was having art sessions with me in my room and she was chatting with her 'friend.'

Was I being obtrusive? Making it clear to her that I didn't approve of what she was doing? Silence for me would mean I didn't care...

...mediocrity will be suicide...

As I prayed, I asked God's hand on mine... I tried talking to her but she was obstinate as ever. My mom and I decided to keep mum for months...

and I looked inside myself... embracing the leper within... accepting my own faults. Was I the elder son who refuse to see my brother's fragility? (reflecting on the Gospel of St. Luke on the Return of the Prodigal Son). Hey God, I want to reach-out...

One night, my sister came home with a stiff neck and a sore throat. Being the nurse in the family, I was tasked to do my TLC on her... and all I can say is, God works in mysterious ways. I wanted to embrace my own fragility through hers and God opened the door. This was the second time this happened...

I cannot refuse to offer her kindness... and even though we were not able to touch the sensitive issue, we talked... and she was receptive...

I felt compassion towards her... and I understood how at times, I could be like my sister in many ways... unyielding and stubborn... and I loved her even more after that...



"... in a decisive moment of illumination, Francis suddenly perceived in this leper the embodiment of God’s beauty, a human being to be loved and cared for tenderly. By embracing the leper, the Saint learned to embrace all people just as Jesus did."





Comments

  1. JIMJuly 25, 2011 at 11:43 PM

    WE look into the eyes of loved ones and see ourselves, so often!! I loved this post.


    http://jpweddingphotograpy.blogspot.com/2011/07/taking-pictures-or-making-images-pro-or.html

    ReplyDelete
  2. RimlyJuly 26, 2011 at 12:32 AM

    Beautiful Melissa. As a sister you can show her the right path but finally it is her choice but that doesnt mean she is less your sister.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jessica MJuly 26, 2011 at 4:29 AM

    Beautiful and touching post Melissa. Your sister is blessed to have you :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. IrfanuddinJuly 26, 2011 at 2:57 PM

    very touchy write up this one....
    it simply shows ur own personality and i am sure your sister will give an ear to what you say.

    Best wishes,
    irfan

    ReplyDelete
  5. KritiJuly 26, 2011 at 3:00 PM

    Melissa this is so touching and heartfelt! Its so true that when we point a finger we often forget to look within ourselves. We are so quick to judge and smirk! I do that with my husband way to often. Time to slow down I think. Thank you for this and thank you Corinne!

    ReplyDelete
  6. smJuly 26, 2011 at 10:05 PM

    beautiful touching post

    ReplyDelete
  7. AaronJuly 27, 2011 at 8:26 PM

    Melissa,
    What a wonderfully honest post! Thank you for sharing this with all of us. It is a great reminder that no matter how bad we may perceive things to be, moments for reconnection and reconcialiation are always going to be present.
    Aaron
    http://www.aaronoutward.com/2011/07/lifes-greatest-lesson.html

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownJuly 28, 2011 at 4:18 PM

    God works in mysterious ways. Right.
    How I wish, I have a big sister too. ^^


    By the way, I'm the one who painted my nails. =p

    you inspired me in so many ways that's why you deserve to receive an award.

    Lots of hugs and kisses,
    FAYE ^^

    ReplyDelete
  9. sheril benedictJuly 28, 2011 at 9:15 PM

    Best one melissa ...loved reading it

    ReplyDelete
  10. DebraJuly 29, 2011 at 8:30 AM

    It isn’t until we embrace the leper within that we are able to embrace the leper in others. Such a meaningful post Melissa – and thank you for this reminder of what it means to “love our neighbor (or sister or brother or whoever) as ourselves.”

    ReplyDelete
  11. N JAugust 1, 2011 at 4:44 PM

    i love your write-up. it speaks a lot. maybe because you've got that humane touch in whatever you do... that's a blessing... i'm blessed to have a great friend like you. keep writing dear!

    ReplyDelete
  12. fantasy in practicalityAugust 2, 2011 at 1:13 PM

    very sensitive corners of life enlightening the soul. i embrace your thoughts. they have always made me feel connected as a learner or as if i have gone through the same experiences of life. this time it is the experience of stubborn mindset which have surrendered to ego and have been kind to dear ones to hold them tight close to our heart. wonderful post Meli.

    ReplyDelete

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