Empathy

Wednesday Matters- April 8, 2020
Everyday Compassion for the Hurting

There’s someone hurting who needs healing, someone unloved who needs our touch; elderly, needing to feel that we care; and someone who is weak and needs the support of our shared weakness. I get it. Author and speaker, Brennan Manning, who has since left this earth, still inspires me. He said; “One of the most healing words I ever spoke as a confessor was to an old priest with a drinking problem. “Just a few years ago,” I said, “I was a hopeless alcoholic in the gutter in Fort Lauderdale.” “You?” he cried. “O, Thank God!” 

When we bring a smile to the face of someone in pain, we have brought Christ to them.  I know what it is to hurt and I know pain. What helps me? It’s NOT to hear more of what I should and should not do. I need to hear; “There’s hope. I’m sorry for this ache in your heart.”  Weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who have reason for joy.  We are all in this together…everyday.