words and actions of compassion

If you know me in any way, you know how I feel about being compassionate toward others. There are times when I read or see things, that I fear compassion should be on the endangered list. It has become too easy to become and remain angry. It has become and remains too easy to see and still walk away, thinking that is not our problem, let someone else take care of it. With the mindset of many people, there is also the fear that, should one try to help and something go wrong, there could be a lawsuit against them. It is important that we move away from these concerns and back to caring about others. That is the only way we can be a difference for those around us.

 Not all of us have grown cold and indifferent. There are still those who have hearts big enough to ignore the possibilities of backlash and reach out to assist those in need. I know of a person who, along with a couple others, tried to rescue two people from a burning car. They ignored the risks and dangers to themselves to try to save those people. They were unable to and carry the memories to this day.

 I know of another, who watched as a young person approached people ahead of them asking for money for food. Everyone passed him by without giving him anything, some commenting, others not saying a word. When we got to where he was standing he began asking us. The person I was with told him that they would not give him any money, but they would buy him a meal. Many times people fear that the money given is going to something other than what it is asked for. This young person very gratefully accepted the offer and could not say thank you often enough. A couple of dollars spent, an entire day and attitude was changed.

It doesn't always take great and grand actions to show compassion. It doesn't always take a bankroll of money to show one cares.

Locally, there is a weekend (sometimes two) once a year called Inasmuch, where churches have activities that are all about compassion, reaching out and helping those in need. They've done everything from holding car washes to raise money for others, to clearing yards, to sorting clothes in a shelter, to rebuilding a house. These are just a few examples among the many varied activities that have taken place. Each and every one making a difference somewhere to some degree.

Words are fine, words draw attention to the needs that are around us. Words alone though will accomplish nothing unless they are matched with action.

You tell someone that you saw the homeless person looking very cold. Now they know there is a cold homeless person out there, but that person is still cold. You could, see the homeless, share a good coat that you no longer use- or bought just for them- then go out and tell others there is a need for coats for those who are cold. You can collect coats for the children going to school who have no outer wear fit for the temperatures we are suffering through currently.

 You could see a person whose home is in need of repair or yard work done. You can write a letter to the paper in complaint, you can call the city to complain. Now it is known, but unless this person is simply not doing the work, there may be a reason these needs are there. One could check to see if the inhabitant is unable physically to accomplish the needs. If that is the case, others can gather and acting as one, do the necessary work.

Words are good, they inform and notify. But words are useless unless they are backed by actions. While most of us cannot do much for those who are suffering under the horrors of war, and terrorism,  we can find ways to let those who can, know that we are appalled by what we are hearing about. To remain silent is to accept and condone. In this, words are our tools, our weapons, our actions. Many as one, getting things accomplished, in a way of peace. In a way of hope. In ways of education. In a way of determination.