Wednesday, February 10, 2010

I Don't Know Where Your Luggage Is

Last night at bible study one of the ladies shared a story that really hit home for me. I try to live my life as someone who can be described as "non-judgemental", but sometimes I hear those voices in my head saying things that don't quite qualify.

Her story:

On a cruise ship to several small remote islands, she couldn't help notice a group of young ladies swimming in what could only be their undergarments. They were certainly "covered" but what they were wearing was NOT swimwear. She was appalled that they would wear that in public!

The next day she saw them again and couldn't help herself- she leaned over to the stranger next to her and said, "I can't believe what they are wearing! I would never allow my daughter to swim in that!"

The stranger leaned back and said "I believe their luggage was lost....."

She said she was dumbstruck. She realized they were making the best of the hand they had been dealt, enjoying their vacation the best they could.

So the next time you find yourself judging, remember,

You don't know where their luggage is.

8 comments:

Liz said...

i love this! you really just never know! when i see a really large person in tiny clothes - i have to think "maybe they've just lost a TON of weight and they're proud of their new look"....

Ann said...

What a great reminder that we don't always know someone's full story...

Erin said...

so true! it's all relative...

Anonymous said...

Ha! Too funny. Although I don't think I could ever be brave enough to swim in my undies! :)

michelle ellis said...

What a wonderful reminder, thank you! I struggle with snap judgements too.

Tiffany said...

Thanks for sharing this!

sprinkles said...

I love this story!

I've judged people when I didn't know their full cirmcumstances and I've also been judged by others when they weren't award of the whole situation.

I heard a similar story awhile back:

A woman was at a salon getting a manicure. People around her were making fun of a gentleman outside who looked homeless. She said, "That's my father you're talking about!" It wasn't but it very well could have been. It's a reminder to think about what you're saying and who you're saying it to because you just never know when it may affect someone else around you.

Lipstick said...

great story...
reminds me of that new show Undercover Boss.