Recently, I’ve been witnessing a lot of social division over politics. Nothing new. Some of these issues are very real and threatening for many, and my heart truly goes out to the suffering, and to the innocent.

I do not wish to present myself to be holier than thou or aloof in some ivory tower somewhere, distant and apart from very real hardships and challenges that many are going through. Nor am I saying that I have the answer completely for real time situations and survival circumstances that are happening in very predatory environments.

The only sense of control I seem to have is over my own thoughts, feelings, behaviors, choices, and direction of Will. And then there is prayer. At least it serves as some cognitive affirmation or positive reinforcement, or even self-transcendence, while holding on to the hope in this comforting self soothing notion of ‘faith’ in the grand intelligence that watches us all.

Locally there been many discussions about social initiatives regarding the homeless, immigration, etc. And many times I hear individuals citing budget and finances as a reason and justification for their rationale.

Everyone has a truth on the situation. Yet humbly and most respectfully, what we need more of doesn’t have a dollar sign associated with it directly. It is empathy.

We need more empathy for the suffering. Our faith and values as individuals is reflected in how we treat the most vulnerable, regardless of their story. We cannot discount the humanity of any one individual or group.

The lack of empathy is the budding seed of a heartless people. And history will be the judge of our inactivity, or testament to our advocacy.

We are better than to dismiss our call to bear the light and warmth of compassion for each other. Let each and every one of us put our defenses down. Through the heart is the only way we can save ourselves.

(c)2024 John Piedrahita