“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style,” Maya Angelou
Tag: compassion
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Thoughts after the Boston Marathon bombings
How do we make sense of hate crimes such as the Boston bombings this week? Crimes that maim and even kill innocent people and alter lives forever?
My finite mind will never reason it out. There is no justification for senseless, needless killings. Humans have free-will choices. Many choose to use their choices to do good. Unfortunately, there will always be those who choose evil.
“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” — Jeremiah 17:9/NLT.
And what about those who wake up this morning with no son, daughter, sister, or brother? What about the injured with missing limbs, brain or head trauma?
How do we counsel them? What words could possibly ease their pain?
Amidst this horrific situation, God stands ready to comfort, to extend his caring, loving arms. To wrap those arms around bleeding limbs & hearts. God’s love is deep and strong — able to shelter the worst storms. He extends his hands and says, “Come to me, my bruised child. I will ease your pain.”
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God … but this happened that we might not rely on ourselves, but on God” — 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, 9.
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Psalm 115 Muse
“I love the Lord, for he heard my voice” – (He listened to me! No one else on planet earth always has the time or even the inclination to listen to me all the time).
“Because he turned his ear to me (He listened so intently), I will call on him as long as I live” – vs. 1, 2
Orchid Water Lily – photo by Steve Lasher “The Lord is gracious & righteous; (it is he who makes things right — not one person, not an acceptance/rejection slip) our God is full of compassion” – vs. 5.
“The Lord protects the simple-hearted; when I was in great need, he saved me” (when I find no time to finish my tasks and words don’t come) I cry out to God who hears my plea. In my own strength, I am truly helpless.
“Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you” – vs. 7… (showered me with blessings and dealt bountifully with me.)
“Here I am, your servant, your faithful servant: set me free for your service!” – vs. 16.
Thank you, God, for giving me life, breath, and stories to pen and share with others. Even if only one person reads my story and responds, I know I must tell the story.
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Comfort one another
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God” —
2 Corinthians 1:3–4.We need each other. God created us to work through and live out our faith in community. When one member is down and experiencing defeat, rejection, or depression, God provides a shoulder to lean on — sometimes through another person.
The reality is that there will be suffering. But this verse also promises the Father of compassion will be there to comfort us. And when we feel that comfort ourselves, it comes naturally to share that same comfort with a friend who is down or discouraged. This type of compassion is even more authentic when you have experienced a similar trial.
In my writer’s group, we all bring various talents and experiences to the table. Some authors have experienced great trauma in their past; others walk through troubled waters now. In our groups, we have married and single members, others have children and grandchildren. Yet, we share a common bond as we wait on God, his perfect timing for publication, and just the right location to see each individual story in print.
There is not a sorrow or a joy that goes unnoticed by God. He can use each up and down in our life to encourage another. He delights when we share our emotions and encourage each other to rely on him and not on our own methods or strength.
Dear God, Thank you for guiding me and shielding me through past times of turmoil. I need to keep on trusting in the midst of today’s circumstances. Nothing is wasted because you can use every high and low for your glory. Every day weaves a new piece of the tapestry called Life. Thank you for giving me comfort. And thank you for also providing comfort in the form of another compassionate person just when I needed it. Amen.
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Rest in him
“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.” (Isaiah 30:15) It is the returning to God, repenting and turning away from my former ways, that I receive forgiveness. Rest is then my reward. Confidence and quietness becomes my strength to face the trials and joys of the day.
God longs to show me his gracious and compassionate nature—to share in all the blessings. I have no idea what today may bring, but he does. He will show me the way when I wait and place ultimate trust in him.
Prayer: Dear God, I return to you. I trust you to calm my soul trusting in your strength to carry out necessary tasks today. Thank you for showing me compassion and grace I do not deserve.
Ask: Are you confused about which task to do next? Feeling overwhelmed and full of unrest? Have you tried leaning on God for wisdom and stability?
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Faithful is He
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22–23).Today is a brand-new day. A day of new beginnings, a new start, and a chance to do good and glorify God. Yesterday and its disappointments are gone. I start fresh today. God promised he removed my sins “as far as the east is from the west,” (Psalm 103:12). So if God forgives and forgets, why can’t I?
“I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall.” (Lamentations 3:19). Yes, my soul is downcast, but not due to any negligence from God, but because I allowed negative emotions to dwell within my mind. If I allow bitterness, I will remain in the state of hopelessness. I do have hope. Hope wins. God is willing to pick me up out of the dredges, dust me off, and set my feet on the proper path again.
Prayer: Dear God, I’m ready to return to you, my safe refuge and fortress. Thank you for watching out for me and my best interests. No one else on earth is capable of doing this for me.
Ask: Is there a root of bitterness or anger that festers within your soul? Maybe it’s a grumbling attitude that’s eating away at the core of your joy. Are you willing to trust God to eradicate those negative emotions?
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Compassion
Ezekiel Andrew Lasher Eager anticipation…first look at grandbaby #3. I wonder what color are his eyes? What will be his hair color? Skin complexion? Will he be a snuggler? Fussy or content? So many questions left unanswered until I see him face-to-face. First time holding…will he fuss or cry? Can I calm him when he cries? And that newborn sweet smell is like no other!
Even though two grandchildren go before, #3 is special in his own right. As a parent, I wondered after #1 baby if I could ever find room in my heart to love another. There was no need to worry as the love poured out. Again, God provides precisely when the need arises and his timing is always perfect.
Mothering and sacrifice go hand in hand. Only one slice of bread or cup of cereal left? There’s no question that the remaining food will go to my child. I’d sooner go without or starve. I’d die for him or her if it meant my child could live. God did the same for us when he sent his only Son. My love is not perfect and I made plenty of mistakes as I raised my children. Yet God’s love is perfect. He dispenses just the right amount of compassion and discipline all the time. And to think, my name is engraved on the palm of God’s hands. How awesome is that!
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands…” (Isaiah 49:15–16).
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