Member-only story
Having Compassion for and Acting Compassionately with so-called ‘Difficult’ People
Two different things, one easier than the other
Our church’s theme for March is Manifesting Compassion in a Spiritual Community.
Which is perfect for us.
Because it’s exactly what we need to do more consistently.
So last Sunday, when the regular speaker was ill, we had a community conversation about compassion. Actually, it was a collection of shared stories and understandings, including my recent experience of showing compassion to the spider who tried to take over my pillow. I helped her find a new home under a bush in the garden.
The conversation began over fellowship.
Our Board President, who I’ll call Andy, shared with us that a congregant I’ll call Vanessa received some scary health information, and this would be a good time to reach out and show her some compassion. While she usually comes to fellowship, she was not there that day.
Yes, it would. A chance to practice showing compassion to someone who it’s tempting to label as difficult. Someone who appears to have a big chip on her shoulder and lets folks know about it every Sunday. Or at our Zoom events. If we don’t start on time because we’re waiting for someone…
