HOPE FOR BETTER DAYS AHEAD

OFFER HOPE to the HURTING and ABUSED

We must acknowledge people's pain while also offering hope for better days ahead. We have a platform for doing so when our own lives have been scarred by hurtful experiences, we are dealing with it, and moving forward in our recovery and healing. This gives validity to our message of hope. I know about this.

I've lived it. I can speak to it. I identify with the angst. I want to help: wherever, whomever, whatever.  I mean it, through and through.

I once had a student who I had concerns for. I was wondering if she was being sexually abused. I didn't know what to look for other than the obvious signs. I asked a special education teacher for advice. She gave me some specifics and then shared a story about a speaker in the field that had impacted her.

The speaker was a survivor of horrible abuse. She said that no one ever told her that it was wrong the way she was being treated, not her teachers, school personnel, or knowledgeable people. It was hurtful that no one validated her, even after it was known. That was the takeaway my teacher friend gained. 

Her comments stayed with me. Hope is the first step toward healing. I think we bear responsibility in offering solidarity in the healing journey. This can be of great benefit to all. Glad for everyone who adds to this poignant conversation. We can validate, encourage, and help. Compassion is where it starts, and ends.

Let's live it together.

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For more, visit my author site at nlbrumbaugh.com.
Have a blessed day.

Evoking Compassion -- Inspiration 9

Compassion Stems From The Heart

Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.
"Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.”
Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

Matthew 20:32-34. NIV

COMPASSION initiates in the heart. Acts of kindness toward those in need stems from a loving outlook. Christ's compassion for the needy, unwell, hungry, distraught, unclean, beggar, and persons without hope is well documented. His heart was big, He ministered to physical needs as well as spiritual needs. The person in need of Jesus' touch were asked to respond to Him. Their response was a step toward their healing. Today is no exception. Christ begins to reveal who He is to someone in need of His loving touch. He asks them to believe. A response is requested of them. People are given choices. Will they act or won't they? Will they believe or will they make excuses? Some will, some won't. That's free will. Not much has changed since Jesus' day. To choose Jesus as the way, truth, and life, is to receive the wondrously marvelous gloriousness of spiritual life. Spiritual life softens a person's heart as compassion flows out of their being. The more they know God--learn of Him and seek His face--the more they will care about people, animals, and the earth. For God has made all.  A life lived in God's presence loves Him and what He has made. Real Christianity is not cruel. Christ's love initiates love in His true followers. This is blessedness.

Gracious Father, May we love You more deeply, follow You more truly, and embrace You more dearly. May You flow through our lives to others with eyes that see the wounded, weary, and distraught. Make us more compassionate, helpful, and caring. May we be like Thee. Amen.

To God be the Glory