Compassion is innate, not simply a spiritual sense. Often I ask, how can a human heart bare knowledge of evil and seldom work to do anything. Have we lost kindheartedness, grown numb to it or simply stopped trying. Yes, I agree it is frightening to look evil straight in the eye and decree life.
Yet, I beckon with humanity, isn’t this our must? Truly caring for orphans, widows and baring one another’s burdens is the marching essence of the gospel truth.
Acting out the gospel is reaching out in compassion to the brokenhearted, even when it gets chaotic sticking to our guns and grudging through all the mud and thicket for a soul’s cause.
Compassion compels us to act in love. Loving where places are uncomfortable, venturing past a normal realm of discovery by taking footsteps into homes of addicts, schizophrenics, brothels, orphanages, nonprofit hallways and hospital rooms.
Should our hearts be inclined to gaze the opposite way, and then we lose our compassion. I fear for those who remain unmoved. It is a disgrace to be supporting spectators to a world of suffering.
Every homeless man and women on the street should bring sorrow to our hearts and never disgust, no matter fraudulent or authentic, they are a living soul.
Compassion refutes thoughts of, “so what, somebody else should do that,” and says, “I’ve got to do something.”
In John 11:35, Jesus wept.
Aware of Lazarus’ death, the sorrow of Mary and Martha, He shed deep tears.
Compassion is a distinct consciousness of another’s suffering paired with an immense desire to relieve their pain. When compelled by compassion we fight with fierce tenderness to alter cruelties done to others in the world.
Compassion does more than acknowledge, compassion does.
In John 11:43 Jesus went into the tomb, calling Lazarus back from death.
I’m curious if Jesus is calling you to walk into tombs, so that those dead may know life?
Restore One has been my tomb.
Chris’ and my prayers and reconsiderations surrounding the idea of providing care for boys who’ve been sexually trafficking terrified me. Gosh, could I face their pain, am I strong enough, those roads have never been traveled before, will this journey kill me? Questions, anxieties, intrusions and actualities invaded my think space.
Many nights, I awoke weeping. Compassion compelled me, pushed me past fear and caused me to walk into the tomb. At best I cannot assertively look away, death’s reek is too strong, I must offer life.
Fear will push us back from stepping into another’s death, but compassion forces us to risk our life for another’s sake.
Can we live in a sense of intention that death cannot touch the life that dwells inside of us by following Jesus into the tomb?
Let’s roll back stones.
Anna Smith is Co-Founder and Executive Director of Restore One, where she works diligently on their chief project, The Anchor House. The Anchor House will be the first shelter in the nation designed to meet the needs of sex trafficked and sexually exploited American boys. Anna has a resilient passion to see sex trafficking victims experience true healing and restoration. In her spare time, Anna enjoys biking with her husband Chris, reading, cooking, throwing pottery, running and yoga. Learn more about Restore One here.
I agree – we are ALL called to care. May God prick our hearts if they should grow hard. We are His hands and feet and heart here on earth. Thank you for your writing and for the work that you and your husband have been called to do and that you are doing! You are blessing others through your caring heart.
Thank you for your challenging and compassionate words here. They have caused me to ponder those places I stop at the entrance of the tomb afraid to enter. I will be more conscious of those places for the sake of the Gospel. I believe I will, once again, experience life there. Love, MJ
Yes! Yes! Yes! I want the whole world to read this! Thank you for your thoughtful, heartfelt sharing, Anna. This is such an encouragement. I, too, have been led to the “tomb” and have felt that fear. As I wrestled with whether or not I would enter, battling fear and even anxiety, the words “love casts out fear” came to my mind. I knew those words were in the Bible and that God was speaking to me. I found those words in
I John 4:18 – “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…” Those words gave me the peace I needed to move forward.
I love your words “When compelled by compassion we fight with fierce tenderness to alter cruelties done to others in the world.” I feel this is so what we are made for. Thank you for what you and Chris are doing and for encouraging us to care for every precious living soul…no matter where they are or where they have been…they are so very precious and need the light and the hope of Everlasting Love. Much love and many blessings to you.
Compassion compelling past fear…love that. Your words and fierce commitment are beautiful.
Dear Anna, You have invited me to ponder what tomb I refuse to walk into, uncertain that life will be birthed there. Lots to consider — a good place to be. Thanks. Valerie