Grow Compassion

I noticed that when I volunteered as a bell ringer for Salvation Army. People that know what it is to be in need often sacrificially give. Experience grows compassion.

This is also a reason I believe in the power of shared stories. We can learn from the experiences of others if we stop to listen.

Beyond learning we show we value a person’s humanity when we listen to their story.

Anytime someone shares their story they are giving you a precious gift a piece of themselves.

One of my favorite things- to have someone, even a random stranger, choose to share their life story with me.

Here’s a first hand example:

One of my more recent encounters- while drinking Jamba Juice on the store patio a man walks by, says hello, and keeps walking. I answer, “hi, have a good day!” He doubled back clearly not having expected anyone to give him the time of day. He was dressed raggedy and appeared grungy. He sat down at my table and began talking. He was struggling, contemplating homelessness, and was about to be evicted from his apartment. Lost his job. He had a hard knock life. Abused as a child. Knew a lot about God but had been let down by the church. He told me about his family. Did my compassion grow from hearing his story? Yes!

God never made it our job to judge the worthiness of others. He made it our job to love them. One of the best ways to love someone is to listen to their story with the motive of understanding and learning.