Today I was thinking about all the people who suffer with problems invisibly.
The ones with crutches, bandages, and wheelchairs – we see they are hurting, we empathize, we cut them some slack in our expectations. But the people hurting invisibly need us to loosen our expectations also.
closeup of fungi at Manning Park
The vast majority of people with problems suffer invisibly.
I can’t even name all the invisible plights people deal with every day – I came up with depression, addition, deafness, kidney disease, ALS, MS, loneliness, ADD, PTSD, alzheimer’s, diseases of the nerves, Crohn’s and Colitis, and the list goes on. Maybe you can add to the disease list in the comments.
Most people struggling, are asked daily – how are you? They give the automatic response – Fine. They move on, dealing with their pains, and the load they carry silently, possibly inwardly screaming at their helplessness in their situation. But not complaining. Invisibly they carry their problems- the lucky ones have crutches and bandages.
My grandmother told me when I was the wee tyke the Golden Rule – treat others like you would have them treat you, and I understood that to mean; BE KIND, BE POLITE, BE RESPECTFUL, and after all grandmothers know best. 🙂
Africa the cat soaking up the love
The Golden Rule is also attributed to Jesus – The “Golden Rule” of Leviticus 19:18 was quoted by Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew 7:12 , see also Luke 6:31) and described by him as the second great commandment. The common English phrasing is “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.
Confucius five centuries earlier had his own version: “Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself.” … This was one of the guiding principles of life that Confucius taught his followers.
Dave – it’s hard to explain where this comes from except I have a feeling I need to be more aware that others are dealing with their own Goliath, and are doing so invisibly, and doing their best.
Perhaps in our hectic lives, compassion for others including ourselves daily is the best supplement we can prescribe ourselves.
I’m always curious how my posts are received, comments are welcome.
Life and Random Thinking 
This is something unlike to think of every time I meet someone. I try and understand people’s actions and reactions to situations instead of judging. It’s not easy. But with compassion and effort we can help people that carry these invisible wounds. Thank you for sharing!!
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Having compassion and making an effort- you are absolutely correct 😊
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Good post
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Thank you. I was unclear on how it might be received.
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Your post was a good reminder – almost everyone is struggling with something.
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Yes, thank you and I think most people hide their struggles because everyone is saying that they are “fine”.
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Yes – a good reminder. We need to be aware of those who suffer in silence.
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Thank you Lynette, and more openness is better so people don’t think they are alone and everyone else is living a trouble free life.
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Very good thoughts Dave! I have, for my whole life, fought with problems with addition, or at least since I progressed in math past what my fingers could do. Seriously though, you are right on with your thoughts. There is a lot of suffering that is not visible, but is certainly real. Glad you took a chance on writing this one, it needed to be said. Ken.
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Thank you immensely. I edited it a lot before I published. I am grateful for you, and your honesty. Big hug!
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Hello Dave. Thanks for writing and the reminder to treat others as we would like to be treated. I appreciate your thoughts and especially love that you quoted Jesus’ words. Because I am also a person of faith, and also try to live to bring honor to the Lord, even though I am what you would call a person with an “invisible” disease, ( Chrones. ) It has been something I have had to deal with since my early twenties and now I’m almost 70. May I add another perspective from someone who has had the pain, several surgeries, many trips to emergency? That no matter what, even we have the same responsibility as the well person, to be sensitive to others, and endeavor to treat others with kindness. To not allow our illness to somehow absolve us from treating others with respect, as though being in pain makes it ok to lash out with abusive words and actions. I do hope that whoever does “act out” will have the humility and character to also apologize. I think it takes less effort to be kind then it does to be angry and always express the negative or to be critical. I’m not perfect myself but it’s the Lord who has helped me in times of need. He can help whomever will trust Him and ask. May He continue to bless and encourage you and your family.
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Thank you Claudette, God bless you.
I agree with you and especially like your comment that it takes less effort to be kind than to be angry.
Even under the stresses and pains of hospital tests and treatment it is possible to be kind and grateful to the people doing their difficult but necessary jobs.
I hope you are well and sincerely appreciate you taking the time to comment.
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Great post Dave. Thanks for reminding us. Love is a choice, as is kindness, as is respect. A little understanding and humility go a long way in improving our relationships and interactions with others. Good to see you writing and sharing your thoughts with us.
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So glad to hear from you Ilona. I look back at posts and your comments are invariably positive and clear what you liked about a post. I appreciate your responses. 😁
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