Compassion requires more, not less, courage

Compassion is as unpopular and misunderstood today as in Jesus' time

As a complete diversion, recently I tuned on my radio app hoping to hear some sports news and I got an earful of a conversation where no one wins-- and also the last place I thought the gay vs. straight debate would surface.

But I stop listening when people- sports jockeys included- start going on about what Christians believe.

 If we stood up for Jesus, we would accept others for who they are, not for who we want them to be. It always requires more courage to love as we are loved by God. Growing in compassion includes facing your own darkness, always the more difficult move. Unless we're engaged in a spiritual practice that can challenge our self-deception, the first choice is to project our garbage onto God or others.      

Judging others is the easy way out of our own mess. It's the path of least resistance, and the "wide" way that Jesus describes in Matthew 7:13 ff. The other caution that follows on the heels of Matt. 7:13, is Matt. 7:16, as it asks the simple question, how's that working? Our occupation with correcting others, taking the role of judge, how is that producing the fruit of a more loving spirit within us and with others?

To all who are recovering from what so- called Christians have done to them and for those who've given up hope in finding acceptance in the church, it's not easy.  Remember in his day, Jesus said that the worst "sinners" will enter God's Kingdom first, and the religious folk whose holiness was backed by their Scriptures, would fall in behind. (Matt.21:31)

The truth is, there are Christian people who care more about authenticity than pretense. Look for those, even while turning off the school yard bullies.   

Dear Caregivers

It was a long day's journey into night at a local public hospital the week before the Holidays.

I learned so much about the excellent care and wisdom of the surgeon and the quality of people on the staff, from the nurses to the cafeteria personnel.

These are good words from the waiting room and They can apply to anyone who attempts to offer their care, not just in the recovery room. What kind of letter do you think your care-receiver would write? What would they add or edit? 

Dear Caregivers:

Please excuse my bad behavior! I don't usually act like this, but I'm frightened and feel vulnerable. 

I read your every facial expression as an indicator of my health- or bad news. 

I listen to everything you say, and every exchange you have with staff members. I think everything I hear is about me.

Don't forget about me or leave me alone for too long- I'm scared! I'm not only afraid of what will happen to me, but also what I'll see while I'm here. It's upsetting to me.

I wonder how clean your hands are and whom you last touched, but I won't say anything. I want you to like me and treat me nicely.

My diagnosis may not be life-threatening, but it is a big deal for me. In fact, I will always remember this visit. My family will talk about it for a long time. It will become part of our family history. 

Explain everything in a way that I can understand. Use words I know. I should know what your are saying to me. but sometimes I don't. 

Be kind. I appreciate the fact that you are here when I need you. I just wish you knew me outside the hospital. There are people who love, need, and pray for me. By the way. they are praying for you too.

Sincerely,

Your Patient