February focus: Extend Compassion
I find the the longer I walk on my journey, there is so much 'power' in extending compassion. If only we embraced compassion to the point it would consistently dictate our words and actions, think of the impact that would have in our walks.
From my experience, if I never would have been shown the power of compassion. I would be a miserable adult. I remember back in June 2007, I was at a point in my walk wanting to forgive an individual but it seem beyond human to...until for a second I got a picture of the forgiveness given to me by Jesus...and that picture naturally enabled me to extend forgiveness on a individual that didn't 'deserve' it but through compassion got it. I realized my forgiveness didn't erase the pain that was still needing to heal at that point, but my heart no longer was holding onto anger that was only becoming more toxic to my self not the individual.
To many times people assume forgiveness and showing compassion is somehow dismissing truth in their life...somehow subconsciously the mind thinks if it extends compassion with forgiveness it is acting like an act never happen. Not true. My healing still needed that gift of time at that point in my life, but no longer was I going to let the bitterness from past hurt remain a friend in my walk.
Life is short. Life is fast. Life is to precious to spend days withholding compassion. I love the line, "Everyone needs compassion, everyone needs forgiveness, let mercy fall on me..." I no longer have time to wrestle with hurt or anger but showing compassion enables me to live a life that is really a vapor in the big picture.
Embrace the gift of life today and along the way extend compassion.
Sweet blessings from my heart to yours.
2 comments:
If someone had asked me 10 years ago, if I was a compassionate person - I would have said yes. Little did I know how much more I needed to learn to truly be compassionate. It does involve forgiveness, healing and God's grace working in our hearts to have a Christ like compassion for others. Thanks for being a part of that spiritual journey, allowing God to work in all our hearts and lives - that together we can share in His peace and love.
Phil 4:19 & Romans 8:28
with gratitude and love, mom
Amy,
I just found your blog, and I'm blessed just to read it--both the words and to just feel connected to you in a small way. I'm going to try to grab a few minutes this weekend to call you. It's been too long.
On your playlist, you have Natalie Grant's song Held. I cried that first time I ever heard that song in my car two years ago; it was beautiful and poignant. Today it brought tears to my eyes again. It has to be one of my favorites--full of reminders of both the heartache of this world and the amazing compassion of Jesus, who promises to hold us until the end as we look to Him for strength. Beautiful. Love you!
Michelle (Stoller)
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