How Can I “Judge Softly”
Coeur d’Alene Indian Tribe (Schitsu’umsh) Veterans Memorial in Plummer, Idaho
I care very much about people but know I can never fully grasp another person’s story. I have learned over many years that caring and being convinced I don’t approve of and wouldn’t engage in certain hurtful behaviors does not qualify me to understand.
I was born and raised in Montana, home to many Native Americans. Following a recent conversation about the pain of racial inequity, I recalled a line I heard often while growing up:
“Don’t judge unless you’ve walked a mile in a man’s moccasins.”
Where did that come from? I was curious. (Got to love the Internet! Within minutes of asking myself that question, I discovered the answer.)
The line, which is the final one in a poem entitled “Judge Softly,” was written in 1895 by Mary T. Lathrap, a woman of passion and purpose.[i]
I believe the sentiments Ms. Lathrap wrote more than a century ago are applicable today even though some of the language in her poem is rather outdated, and the gender references are all male. I do agree with James Milson, author of the website from which I gathered information: “[what is important] is… the meaning and true message of the words of Compassion, Kindness, Empathy, and Understanding still so relevant and needed in our world today ….”
“Judge Softly”
“Pray, don’t find fault with the man that limps,
Or stumbles along the road.
Unless you have worn the moccasins he wears,
Or stumbled beneath the same load.
There may be tears in his soles that hurt
Though hidden away from view.
The burden he bears placed on your back
May cause you to stumble and fall, too.
Don’t sneer at the man who is down today
Unless you have felt the same blow
That caused his fall or felt the shame
That only the fallen know.
You may be strong, but still the blows
That were his, unknown to you in the same way,
May cause you to stagger and fall, too.
Don’t be too harsh with the man that sins.
Or pelt him with words, or stone, or disdain.
And it’s only wisdom and love that your heart contains.
For you know if the tempter’s voice
Should whisper as soft to you,
As it did to him when he went astray,
It might cause you to falter, too.
Just walk a mile in his moccasins
Before you abuse, criticize and accuse.
If just for one hour, you could find a way
To see through his eyes, instead of your own muse.
I believe you’d be surprised to see
That you’ve been blind and narrow-minded, even unkind….
Just for a moment, slip into his mind and traditions
And see the world through his spirit and eyes
Before you cast a stone or falsely judge his conditions.
Remember to walk a mile in his moccasins
And remember the lessons of humanity taught to you by your elders.
We will be known forever by the tracks we leave
In other people’s lives, our kindnesses and generosity.
Take the time to walk a mile in his moccasins.”
~ by Mary T. Lathrap, 1895
When I watch the evening news, realizing what difficult and divisive issues face 21st Century citizens, all I can think is, Wow. This world is complicated!
When I read Mary Lathrap’s poem, written over one hundred years ago encouraging readers to “judge softly,” I’m reminded the world was also complicated then.
And when I read the words of the Apostle Paul, written over 2000 years ago to friends who were part of a new sect called “Christian,” I realize they too lived in a complicated world.
It is with Paul’s words to those friends I close today’s post to you, my friends:
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it (Colossians 3:12-14 MSG).
Blessings on your journey,
[i] https://jamesmilson.com/about-the-blog/judge-softly-or-walk-a-mile-in-his-moccasins-by-marytlathrap/#:~:text=The%20name%20of%20this%20heartfelt,a%20Mile%20in%20His%20Moccasins.%E2%80%9D (Note: As far as I can determine, this poem is now in the public domain.)