Although the LoveSingapore 40 days of fasting and prayer is over, I am still pondering and linger over some of the thoughts in the devotional and prayer guide.
Who is the poorest of the poor, the lowest of the lowest and the least of these? As I was reflecting on these linkling thoughts, it dawns on me that the people with intellectual disabilities (ID) and mental disorder fall exactly into this category.
“Eeee…..he is siow one!!” ” Why is he like that??” “Don’t come near me, I have nothing to do with you.”
These are not just comments or statements made by avearge income or rich people…..I have heard these statements made by the poor and needy towards the people with ID or mental disorder. Even those in the lower strata of the society make these statements towards them…Viola!!! The least of the least are these people with ID or mental disorder!!! Frankly speaking, some of these people with ID or mental disorder may be coming from rich family but yet the poor can look down on them. Isn’t it an irony?
I am priviledge that I am able to work among these people with ID. I have seen improvement and the potential that lies in them. Many times, we may see them as abnormal, but I would say that, many a times, we have been the one who is “abnormal” being chased around in the frantic of this society. They are simple, what to them is important is important, nothing is more urgent enough to take over the priority of what is important to them.
Maybe, its time for us to learn from them. Keeping the important things important……..
“The King will reply ‘I tell you the truth, whateer you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me’ ” Matt 25:40 (NIV)