I was harassed recently by a “friend” of a friend who is having a hard time and I really had some things I wanted to say in response to their messages…empathy is good, judgement is not…
I am such a lucky woman! I do have trials but I am able to see patterns and make decisions. I know many people with mental health issues at varying levels. Some, like me, were able to see they were making bad choices without hurting themselves or others too badly that they required intervention before they got help, and some struggle much more. I still have bad days. I still have to forgive myself and ask forgiveness but it happens almost as quickly as the behavior is seen; most of the time I can tell when I am off and I warn people around me so they know if I snap at them, it probably has nothing to do with them. Lucky for me, violence is not part of my makeup.
I have empathy for people who struggle. I have enough of my own experiences to know some of their pain. It isn’t fun to live with a brain that lies to you. If that person has chronic physical illness, I also can empathize with that. It isn’t fun to live in a body that looks fine but isn’t. I also understand that mental and physical illness can trigger each other and that is challenging too.
Pity is not something I do. I looked it up and although it is just sorrow for other’s experiences it seems bigger than that for me. There seems to be some ownership there too. Pity was not something I was shown much of…or compassion or patience. I have and am still learning these things but I was born with the ability to empathize. When I see someone hurting I feel sorrow for their children and loved ones. I feel a need to remind them to make good choices but most of all I try to acknowledge what I see that is good because I know their brain is lying to them and I know they are being criticized by someone already and I always remind them that I love them. My comments do not contain words of pity. Struggle is part of life and we each have to build the life we want. Sometimes it takes some people much longer to learn that than others.
I have had a successful weekend. On Friday I made a great soup with black beans, veggies and beef. On Saturday I got my COVID-19 booster and Karen and I walked around…she got her birthday present early since she dropped the French Press while washing it. Yesterday I made applesauce and tuna salad for lunches. I drank at least 1 gallon of water or unsweetened herb tea every day, per my neurologist. I really slept in today…I will probably do a load of laundry…it is good to have goals. Wellness is a lifestyle you should never stop working on. Enjoy your day!
Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven.
Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this:
Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world.
I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me.
I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
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