She is called, Maria.

Maria, the mystery child found in squaller in Greece, has gained the attention of the world.

The couple who had her were taken into custody for abduction. The news is sketchy, at best.  At its worst, if may be hyping a story as benign as a couple who took care of a young girl when her mother couldn’t.  That is the story the couple is telling.

It is curious.  At least ten families are hoping she is their missing child. If ten families are thinking this one may be their missing baby, how many missing children are there?   She meets certain specifications after all.  Just think of detailed specifics she meets in order to qualify for consideration.  Mind boggling.

Then there is the media.  One of the reporters kept calling her, “it”.  She would say, “The child is at a facility, run by a charity.”  “It is undergoing tests.”  “It is playing and laughing.”  “It has been evaluated.”  How could this reporter think she should be called, “it”.      

What the heck is that?  She is between three and six years old.  Is she not a person yet?  Does she not deserve the designation of a proper or appropriate pronoun?  Does she not deserve the dignity of a person?

It was a heartbreaking report, mainly because of the reporter’s dehumanizing treatment of this precious little person.  It is unclear how she came to be among the people she was with.  Maybe it will be found out.

One thing is clear though.  She is a person.  She is being called Maria.  God has a special purpose for her.

The same is true of all people, born and unborn, disabled and athletic, genius and developmentally retarded, young and elderly.  People deserve respect and dignity.  We are a compassionate community.  Let us never dehumanize others by ignoring their humanity.  Every person is unique.  Everyone is special.  Everybody deserves to be acknowledged.