Empathy
As a devoutly religious, gifted Audhder with a lifelong, invisible illness that wasn’t diagnosed until I was 33 years old, empathy has been a major part of my life. I wouldn’t be alive today at 51 years old as a bedridden, recent human trafficking survivor without empathy given nor if it wasn’t given in return.
Especially in times of chaos or upheaval, we sometimes have trouble distinguishing between empathy and abuse or exploitation. We are so overwhelmed that we either give none or give empathy when undeserved. Frontline workers and the vulnerable deal with this daily. It’s why communities support them as best they can.
As our nation and world grapple with a lack of empathy while making us all vulnerable, I ask that we all slow down. Make sure that our basic needs are being met; handle our own responsibilities; and understand ourselves before widening our circle of assistance to others.
If you’re vulnerable, try to remain calm and understanding yet focused on your most basic needs first. Try to understand when someone is unable to assist you. Even if it seems like they lack empathy, it’s better for you to walk away and try another approach. Don’t waste your time or energy needlessly. You are who is most important to you.
Check with charities and who you are wanting to assist to ensure that they actually need or want it. If you’re unsure of how to assist, ask. Come prepared with a list of resources; qualifications; times available; locations; etc. Understand that it might not be a good fit; unnecessary; etc. It’s okay to walk away. Understand that you can’t help those who don’t need or want it. You also have to always make yourself your first priority. Be prepared to walk away when and if necessary.
There will always be those who take advantage of chaos to enrich themselves or get away with something. It’s important to remember that not everyone is doing this but stay alert to the possibility. Don’t presume that someone you know and love hasn’t changed. I have seen people who society would label monsters turn into great people. I have also seen great people turn into people who society would label monsters.
We must all be alert yet be empathetic first to ourselves; those we are responsible for; and then others. We can overcome great adversity when we are empathetic and work together for the greater, common good.
I have faith in God; my American family; and America itself to do just this. I have decried American exceptionalism in its most boastful uses. Americans are exceptional though. We understand differences better than most because we are a nation of many. When we set aside our differences and come together as one, we accomplish great things for the benefit of all of humanity. We are exceptional because we understand that
Every life matters, especially yours.
God bless America and especially Her people.
