And Jesus was moved by compassion...

Today I just want to talk a little bit about compassion. I see different kinds everywhere I look. Let's be honest, we're all kind of naturally inclined to be compassionate for certain groups (usually our own). And other groups? Well, we kind of like to villainize.

It's easier, the Us vs Them mentality. If we keep it like that, we don't have to cross lines and ask questions. We don't have to get too close or get to know the other. We don't have to grow. And frankly, we get to feel vindicated when we've created the whole story without outside input. 

I'm thinking that when we start to feel ourselves build up walls toward someone else, we should go to them and find out more. We should maybe even look inside and figure out the resistance that's going on so strongly. We should definitely have more conversations with one another. You know, because sometimes we don't actually know the half of it. 

I want a world where everyone can love one another. (Do not read 'where everyone can agree.') I think disagreements are helpful, but I really want us to love one another despite our disagreements. And we say this... I say this (that I want a world who loves)... But we have to be willing to do the work that gets us there. The work is letting people speak and letting one another have polarized opinions and still being able to come together in love. Because change happens in these settings--the ones where people feel accepted and loved no matter. And that is the kind of world I want to live in. 

And I think compassion is key. Out of compassion is birthed love. If you're "moved" by compassion as the Bible states over and over and over as the fuel that led to the miracle, then you begin to understand why people do the things they do, why people believe the things they believe. Out of our understanding, love is developed; and we all know when we feel truly, unconditionally loved, great change and progress can happen. "And Jesus was moved by compassion and (fill in the miracle here)." 

Stop the shame discussions. Stop the angry rhetoric. Come in with a new approach--willing to listen, even if you're not heard. Come in with compassion and watch everyone involved be transformed in the process. 

I don't want to just get along. I don't want to just agree. I just want to love. 

Photo Story: This was taken by my little gal. She's been into taking photos lately. And I love it (not because it's the most flattering photo, obviously), because it's just from her perspective. I think seeing a photo of me from her perspective makes a shift in me. It helps me remember who's watching and how she's watching. 

x Keely