Compassion- a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.
This week has been a tough one. I'm writing to shed some perspective on what has been going on in this world, and how eye opening it has been to witness people's reactions.
I will start by saying how heartbreaking the events in Orlando have been. Utterly tragic. I'm talking about both the horrific shootings and the alligator attack. I cannot imagine what the families, friends and communities close to these victims are all going through. This all hits very close to home here in Florida, yet I am still not "in-it" per-say because I live further away. At the same time I have strong feelings towards everything going on. It is all so sad and as each day goes on, it all gets more and more heartbreaking.
I've had to turn off the news and look at Facebook much less. Reason being, I'm SHOCKED at how many people have used these events as a platform to their own agendas. This includes agendas that the media, political figures, and civilians, all want to instill on others. This is NOT the time or place for such a thing. Still too soon. Have compassion.
I've seen people use this as a time to lash out on gun violence, gay rights, views on religion and how to parent your children. My eyes were opened to many people's different opinions, this that and the other, but the bottom line here... what about the families? What about them? These are the worst moments of these peoples' lives and if they turn on the TV, or look at social media, they have to be reminded of the tragic events, and watch people arguing day in and day out about their own views. Why aren't they focusing on the good, the memories, and the great things these people did? Why are people condemning and judging the parents of the two year old from Nebraska? This is the saddest and most tragic thing they have ever faced and would never imagine going through this. Have compassion.
What has happened with us as a society? Yes, I'm angry, disgusted, furious, confused, and mostly saddened by all of this. I still ask, what about the families? Let's not jump to conclusions and judge others. My place in society and community is to have compassion for those who are lost, confused, angry, disgusted and going through these dark days.
As an American community, we will prevail. We must have compassion for each other, and with each other. That is the only way. Have compassion.