An Example from “The Butterfly Circus”
God has given us a second chance, but not everyone recognizes or accepts it.
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In the previous blog, we looked at how people are curious about others who are different. On the other hand, many would rather stay within their own comfortable setting than reach out. What’s worse, some even harbor contempt and prejudice against those who are different and treat them as “others.”
Unfortunately, many people who suffer from prejudice and discrimination have grown accustomed to the pejorative labels placed on them. They internalize the “labels” and develop insecurity and self-doubt. Though they crave others’ acceptance, they have a hard time receiving others’ acceptance when they see it. They have a hard time even accepting themselves.
This blog will look at Will as he escaped from one circus and started to travel with the Butterfly Circus.
Will had in mind to be featured in a sideshow with the Butterfly Circus because that was what he used to do – be mocked and taunted as a “freak.” He had believed that was who he was – a freak – and could not see himself being anything different.
He was shocked and disappointed when he learned that the circus did not have a sideshow because Mr. Mendez ran a different type of circus. Mr. Mendez had no interest in making money off others’ misery or putting others’ misfortunes on display. He believed in the beauty and strength within each person. He believed in giving others a second chance. Mr. Mendez believed in everyone’s worth and dignity.
Even though Will could not be part of the show, Mr. Mendez invited him to stay. Will was soon welcomed and accepted by the whole circus crew. As Will traveled with the Butterfly Circus, he learned that all its performers had a troubled past yet Mr. Mendez had given them a second chance to let their inner beauty, strength, and grace shine through.
An older man, Poppy, used to play accordion along the sidewalk for spare change. However, Mr. Mendez gave him a place to shine in the circus, and Poppy became a supreme trapezist, despite his age. Anna was selling her body for a living. She was thrown out when she got pregnant and was of no value to the brothel keeper. Yet, she found a place to belong in the Butterfly Circus and became a beautiful aerialist. The muscular George relied on his physical strength to do harm and violence to others, but he changed after joining the Butterfly Circus, starting to use his strength for good.
All these characters were broken, mistreating others or being mistreated before joining the Butterfly Circus. However, Mr. Mendez saw the good, beauty, and uniqueness in each of them and offered them a second chance at life. They accepted this second chance and made the most of it. They used their gifts, skills, and talents to share joy and hope with those around them.
The Butterfly Circus was a place where broken people became whole, ashes turned into beauty, and people who survived grew into people who thrived.
Now, Mr. Mendez offered Will a second chance. He challenged Will to look past the label he used to wear, the life he used to live, and the lie he used to believe in. How would Will respond? Would he accept this second chance? Would Will open himself to acceptance from the other circus members? Would he accept himself?
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Why do some people crave acceptance but cannot believe in it when they find it?
Human behaviors are complex, even paradoxical sometimes. Consequently, some people want to be accepted but often struggle to grasp the acceptance they receive. Many factors may contribute to this incongruity, such as perfectionism, past negative experiences, self-doubt, or a consistent barrage of societal bias.
People with disabilities have been subjected to social stigmatism for a long time. Many believe in the negative labels that society places on them. Like Will in the Butterfly Circus, they internalize others’ negative views of themselves and resign themselves to where they are assigned. They gradually develop self-doubts and insecurities and have difficulty trusting others’ genuine acceptance.
It can be a frustrating experience for both people with disabilities and those without. Understandably, when a person has heard the same message repeatedly, it is common to accept it as fact and believe it, no matter how wrong the message is. On the other hand, it is aggravating to reach out and want to be friends with disabled individuals only to be met with distrust, even rejection. Developing trust and establishing lasting friendships takes a lot of practice, patience, understanding, and self-reflection from both sides.
The good news is that the Love of Jesus Christ can enliven dead hearts and overcome relational barriers and the truth of the Bible can correct wrong views and renew warped mindsets.
More than that, God has extended His eternal love, unconditional acceptance, and never-changing truth to all willing to come to Him. He does not show favoritism. He promised renewed relationships with Him and with others. In Him, all man-made barriers are torn down. In Him, there is peace and unity.
God has given us a second chance to be made new in Christ and have an eternal relationship with Him. The question is, are you willing to accept it?