Judgement

Once, a child was asked to write something to say at the sentencing of those who abused him.

I was to help with this and we sat, in silence, while he thought about what to tell me to write down. While it was quiet, I could see the photographs from the police officer’s report flashing through my mind. I wondered what I would say if that had been me. I wondered how I would feel if someone hurt me like that.

After what felt like forever, he said, “God can judge them. It’s not my problem to.”

Throughout my life, I’ve been taught not to judge others. But the truth is I always thought of myself as doing some kind of good deed when I attempted (and failed) to not judge others. Look at me, I’d think, being a good person! Look at that asshole and I’m not even judging him. Wow! Am I ever good!

I never thought about what a burden it is to judge people. Like needlessly carrying around a big sack of dirt on my shoulders. To what end? For what purpose?

That child was right. It wasn’t his problem. There are people who train in the fields of law and judgement, and only they know if they are doing their jobs in the light. It’s not my problem to judge them or anyone else.

The way that feels to finally know that? Amazing, like I can breathe the freshest of air.

Love,

Terra Rose