This dilemma is epitomized by a personal experience I will share with you. About 2 years ago, I noticed that I became increasingly short of breath when walking short to moderate distances while out and about. The distances were the exact same and in some cases shorter than ones I previously navigated with no problems. It rarely happened when indoors, but mostly presented when I was walking from a parking lot into a building. Sometimes, the shortness of breath was accompanied by feeling dizzy, lightheaded, and nauseated. I would stop halfway leaning against the building to catch my breath and then push forward. I was in denial about my symptoms and attempted to self-diagnose myself. The year prior, I had a one-time episode of bronchitis which was resolved with antibiotics and steroids. I convinced myself that my current symptoms was my lungs not fully snapping back from the bronchitis...that was not the reason.
Meanwhile, my favorite and long-time family doctor retired. I did a google search and chose a new doctor with a five-star rating. I made an appointment to introduce myself and when I arrived, they suggested I get a routine EKG since I was over 50. After it was completed, the medical assistant walked into the exam room with a somber look on her face holding my printed results. She looked at me and said, "Ma'am, you are in atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF) with a faster than normal heart rate." My heart sunk and it felt like a death sentence. I had always prided myself on living an overall healthy lifestyle. It was like a slap in the face. However, it explained the shortness of breath and other adverse symptoms I was having. At that point, they prescribed 2 medications classified as a beta-blocker Atenolol and a blood thinner Eliquis and referred me to a Cardiologist. I underwent a series of tests to include echocardiograms, exercise stress test, more EKG's, and wearing a cardiac monitor for 7 days straight. All the tests confirmed I was in AF consistently. In the back drop of that health scare, Rona, the tenant from hell, was starting to show her horns. When it rains, it doesn't just pour, it hits you like a tsunami!
With all of that going on, one day I was at a public place where I had to park my car a moderate distance from the building. I was likely breathing a little heavier than usual which was not new and expected. Once in the building, I got on the elevator with one other person. She was wearing a nurse uniform and corresponding ID badge. She looked at me scrunching her face asking, "Why are you breathing like that?" Her question did not seem out of concern, but more sarcastic and condescending. I immediately shot back, "How am I breathing?" In a critical tone she responded, "Like you are soooo out of breath!" I suddenly realized I was dealing with a person either having psychiatric issues or a simple-minded fool! I did not feel the need to tell this moron my personal health situation, but, was tempted to give her some choice words...but I didn't. Instead, I attempted to lighten the mood and responded in a jokingly way, "When you get my age, it ain't easy walking these distances." She asked, "How old are you?" I told her. She arrogantly replied, "I am 10 years older than you, walk the same distance, and don't get short of breath at all." At that moment, the elevator arrived to her floor. She looked at me, rolled her eyes, and pompously walked off the elevator.
I was astounded by her bluntness and lack of compassion...not only from a humanitarian standpoint, but she appeared to be a professional healthcare provider. Our encounter was brief, but she was way out of line. The strange woman reflected indifference, not compassion. Her words were intended for cruelty, not comfort or support. James 3:6 "The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." Her level of insensitivity caught me completely off guard. It was an attempt to bash my self-esteem. However, this woman was a complete and total stranger to me. Why would she want to bash me? She had no idea of the problems I faced. It did not make any sense from a natural perspective. Looking back on it in retrospect, I believe it was an assigned demon. Just as many believe the entities referred to as angels are assigned to people, so are those entities referred to as demons. I remember thinking, "This woman has absolutely no idea, whatsoever, what I am going through. I could have had asthma, lung cancer, or more serious heart problems. She does not have a clue! Shame on her!" It is as if she was trying to make me feel bad about my situation, as if I did not already. If I was a weaker person, I could have been thrust into a depression or a self-destructive anger. Fortunately, I was far too spiritually grounded to allow that misguided soul to impact me, but the encounter was irritating and a little disturbing.
We as a people, humanity, need to be careful what we say to each other and how we approach each other because no one knows what the other person is going through. Be mindful of the words coming out of your mouth and how they impact people. Furthermore, you do not know what is waiting down the road for you! While you are taunting and looking down on someone else, you may end up a lot worse off! Never forget, the universe is always trying to create balance and rectify itself. Soon after that, I underwent an outpatient procedure that corrected the AF and I have been okay ever since.
In conclusion, the biggest obstacle to ascension is lack of compassion. One of the two most important commandments Yeshua has given humanity is showing love and compassion towards one another. Lack of compassion is expressed in several ways, one of them being insensitivity. As a result, one talks recklessly to people without having regards for their plight. It is a human tragedy, but one that can be reversed. As long as we are breathing, we have options.
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