Every person we meet carries a story—experiences that shape them, their worldview, and their sense of what is right and true. Sometimes those experiences are traumatic and trigger reactions that can seem odd, irrational, or confusing to those who don’t share them. Often, though, those reactions are rooted in a need to make sense of past hurts and to avoid being hurt again. Anger, withdrawal, and defensiveness are frequently trauma responses to pain, disappointment, and fear.

Pain, disappointment, and fear…

Many of us, right now, are walking around trying to mask old wounds, to manage our fears, and to protect ourselves from yet another letdown. We are hurting, anxious, and afraid—but there is something we can all do about it.

What if we moved through the world with greater sensitivity and compassion?
What if we aimed at understanding as much as we crave being understood?
What if we endeavored to walk in another’s shoes before retreating to judgment and dismissal?
What if we tried to broaden our perspectives and embrace empathy?

I know that sounds risky. I also know there is real potential for being hurt, misunderstood, and disappointed. But there may be no greater sadness than the loneliness we experience when we wall ourselves off from one another. Our desire to protect ourselves can leave us trapped in a prison—a self-imposed solitary confinement that numbs us to everything and everyone, while robbing us of any real hope of joy.

So, I want to challenge us this morning: let’s try to be gracious to whomever crosses our path today. Most people are carrying burdens, trying to get through the day, fighting battles no one else knows about. Let’s aim at compassion, huh?

Sometimes the grace we so deeply crave is the same grace we are called to offer. Sometimes, the thing we need the most is the very thing we need to give the most.

Jesus says,

“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Good Morning, I love you all!

ihs,

just adam