When the World says, "You're disabled."

1 Samuel 16:7

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him.  The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.  Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

You were given a Purple Heart.  It's in the shoebox along with all the rest of the medals and ribbons.  

You were given a snappy little plastic thing you hang on your rear-view mirror that matches your car tag.

 You bristle when someone offers to help you through a doorway or into a seat or in the grocery store.  You bristle at their offers because they see you as "disabled."

That's a label.  Like red-head or preacher or homeless or star.  People tend to treat you a certain way when all they see is your label.

But God sees beyond the physical attributes.  God sees your heart.  He knows if your heart is healthy or dark.  That's what's important.

Not only does He see the heart of you, He will send people into your life who also see beyond the flesh and blood; beyond the labels.

Learn to recognize those people who see beyond your disability.

Become a person who sees beyond others' labels, too.

When the World says, "You're disabled."

God says, "I look at your heart."

Jesus, I look in the mirror and think about how the world sees me.  Thank you so much for not having such a limited vision.  You see my heart.  You hold my soul in your Hands.  Help others see me the way You see me.  Help me see others the way You see them.  Amen.