Dignity ~ The state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect
We live in a culture that feels the need to photograph everything that we do on a daily basis. I see it all over social media and to be honest it is my pet peeve. I get angry when we as a society have to document the fact that we did something to help fellow mankind, but it only counts if it is documented for social media, so we can acquire a thousand comments and likes.
I volunteer for a non profit that helps the under served in our community. I was asked one day to deliver a donated bed and food to a family that was in a dire situation due to a tragedy in the family, that resulted in many children living in a trailer, that was by most standards not in the best of conditions. I will not go into detail on how horrific these living conditions were, but if you can imagine the worst, you probably would hit it dead on. My husband and I drove out to where the bed was to be donated and as we pulled in our hearts just sank. I couldn’t believe people lived like this in my community. I was choking back the tears as I handed the food over and my husband carried the bed in for them. We drove away and I don’t think my husband and I said anything for a good 10 minutes or more . (This family did get more help than what we delivered, in case you were wondering.)
When I communicated that we had delivered the items to the family I was asked, “did you get a picture for social media?”
Dignity is the ability to stand strong and tall in the face of adversity while being able to bow to the elderly and crawl with the children.
Dignity is taking a stand for your beliefs without closing your mind to another’s opinion
Dignity is being an example by your deeds and through your words avoiding gossip, anger and lies
Dignity will manifest itself in the warmth of your smile, the depth of your love and kindness for your fellow man
MICHEAL WYMAN
The family that we helped that day was my life mirror. 45 years ago people brought boxes of food and treats to our trailer and I am sure they felt the same pangs of humility I had just felt. I just know that the food that was delivered was given with grace, love and dignity.
If a photo would have been taken it would have captured my smile but stolen my dignity. Try to keep that in mind next time you are helping your fellow human. Keep your dignity and theirs.
But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Matthew 6:3
Making of a Minimalist 