....being generous is a better way to live.
I'm convinced forgiving people in a better way to live.
I'm convinced having compassion is a better way to live.
I'm convinced pursuing peace in every situation is a better way to live.
I'm convinced listening to the wisdom of others is a better way to live.
I'm convinced being honest with people is a better way to live."
-Rob Bell in Velvet Elvis
Compassion. After reading that quote in the book, I had to look this word up. Sure, I've heard it a million times, and I knew it was along the same lines as "love" and all of those other Christian words we use and then move on.
com·pas·sion [kuhm-pash-uh
1. a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.
What an awesome word. I had no idea that it had two parts to it. I think it's important that we are constantly loving on people and compassion is such a huge part of love. If we're not reaching out and really experiencing the pain with people, how can we say that we know what they're going through and help them?
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Matthew 9:36
With the circumstances of what has been going on in the past 48 hours, I just wonder what makes someone to run, from everything that is known and supportive and go towards something they have no clue about, something that can't possible guarantee any safety?
We are only asked to love, to offer hope to the many hopeless. We don't get to choose all the endings, but we are asked to play the rescuers. We won't solve all mysteries and our hearts will certainly break in such a vulnerable life, but it is the best way. We were made to be lovers bold in broken places, pouring ourselves out again and again until we're called home.
-Jaimie Tworkowski of To Write Love On Her Arms
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