Where has the compassion gone? Why are people quick to blame? Why are people more and more self centered? As Mister Rogers would say, look for the helpers. But where are they?

Since I was a little kid, I have always thought about how actions and words can hurt others. My mentality was ‘put yourself in others shoes, would they feel hurt if you said/did that?’ I’ve always had compassion for others. I was always the helper. I wanted to help people that were in pain. I know how it feels to be heartbroken or how things feel like they won’t work out. I don’t want others to feel that pain.

I feel like I am a minority in the way I think. So many people just care about what’s best for them and don’t care about how those actions effect others. Why can’t people have compassion for others? Why not try and help? Maybe that person was having a bad day. I can forgive others for that. I get it. We all have bad days. But when one gets treated badly over and over, that’s where I’ve learned to draw the line (and set boundaries).

I just don’t get it. Be nice. It’s that simple.

I often think my dad was hurt so bad that he put on this gruff exterior. Tried to act like he didn’t care what others did or say to him. But really, he was such a compassionate soul that I think it maybe ruined him. He saw lots of hurt and pain from others that he had to set boundaries for himself. His dad walked out on his family. He later disowned my dad because he didn’t make the Navy a career. His half brother would reach out and ask for money. My dad was too nice and would always send him checks when he needed it. He finally set a boundary and told his brother not to write him asking for money anymore. That he would be more than happy to keep in touch, but he was sick of being used. Unfortunately, he never heard from his brother again. He was sick of being taken for granted.

Maybe my dad had lost faith in humanity at the end of his life. No one wanted to help him, the doctors saying he was fine. He was always the helper, and there was no one to help him. Gosh, I can relate to that sorrow he had. When faith in others just brings sorrow and regret.

My faith in humanity may not be where it once was. My spirit feels let down and tired. That spark isn’t as bright anymore. Drained and exhausted, trying to figure out how to move on and not let my light dwindle. Lots of forgiveness to work through.

How did Jesus do it? He was persecuted, yelled at, accused of many false things, hurt, beaten, and so much more. But his spirit was strong. He loved his enemies. A quote comes to mind from Hank Smith. Boundaries are key.

I have faith that I will get through this. I have faith that my dad tried his best, with everything thrown at him. His upbringing and all the sorrow he had gone through. I also have faith that we can all do better. I am not perfect, never will be, but I know I can work on myself and try and love others. That’s being Christlike.

A quote from a book I am reading, about France being taken over by Nazi’s during WWll. A young teen girl is talking with a nun at her local church: “You’re not alone, and you’re not the one in charge,” Mother said gently. “Ask for help when you need it, and give help when you can. I think that is how we serve God—and each other and ourselves—in times as dark as these.”

Isn’t that so powerful? We are not in charge, as much as we want to be. Pride and status are ugly things. God is in charge. And we serve Him by helping others. By doing that, we help ourselves by becoming true disciples of Christ.

I am not going to lose faith in myself. I matter and I am loved by my Heavenly Father. And so are you!

Hugs,

Sarah