February 26 - Compassion

Chapel of the Holy Cross,
Sedona, AZ

We were not all created to share the same point of view, but rather, to use these separate views for creativity and advancement. Helping another to feel good about their accomplishments when things have gone off course can be difficult. Betty Clipman, chorus director of The Woodlands Show Chorus, teaches, "correction without compassion is brutality.” Our goal must be to help advance the other person, never to bring them down.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. – Luke 6:36

Compassion

Any one moment is never about any one thing. The ripple effect is immeasurable. Before you react and make your next decision, consider those around you. Your choice will impact millions for generations to come.  

When Jesus saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. – Mark 6:34

Friday, March 29, 2013 - Passion

Seeking justification of an action or cause can elicite great passion within people. Differences in views or circumstances can drive loved ones apart. As soldiers of Christ, we must be conduits in fighting for His Kingdom, yet never abandon His mercy and compassion toward others. Christ fights all battles with love. When we open our spirit to His Grace, we are better prepared to reach out to others with this same hope.

But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." John 8:7

Monday, March 25, 2013 - Love

God has commissioned each of us with a purpose. Some are blessed to realize this purpose and are able to move forward with a clear and conscious vision. Others still seek, wondering and hoping to find their fit in life. Within everyone's journey lies the key to success. We hold the ability to claim our goal and to protect its purpose as sanctified by God.  This key does not hold a likely name. Fortitude, Tenacity, Strength, Perseverance; all of these are great virtues that lead us closer to our ends, but the true key to success is Love. In Pope Francis’ inaugural homily, he states “Let us protect with love all that God has given us! … To protect creation, to protect every man and every woman, to look upon them with tenderness and love, is to open up a horizon of hope…” As we seek our niche in life, let us embrace our journey with an open heart, filled with good intentions and compassion for all. Let us Love.

 

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. – 1 Corinthians 13:2

Thursday, February 28, 2013 -- Memories

When I was a little girl, my mom would greet me with a special treat on cold, chilly mornings. Draped across her arms, fresh from the dryer, would be the clothes I would be wearing for the day. My memories of slipping under the covers to put on the warm, toasty clothes makes me smile just as much as the actual mornings. The memories we make as we journey through each moment of our lives form our faith and mold our reactions. There will be times in our lives when our experiences will give birth to unpleasant memories rather than the good. Yet, even in pain our memories are still necessary to bring us closer in our walk with our Lord. It is in remembering that we learn compassion, increase our hope, and ease our own suffering. I pray that today brings good memories your way and that in each moment you will find praise for the omnipotence and wisdom of our Mighty God and Father.

I shall remember the deeds of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. - Psalm 77:11 

 

Monday, February 25, 2013 - Compassion

As long as we remain on this earth, we will experience conflict and disagreement with others. We were not created to share the same point of view, but rather, to use these separate views for creativity and advancement. Helping another to feel good about their accomplishments when things have gone off course can be difficult as a parent, teacher, or an administrator.  Betty Clipman, acclaimed chorus director of Sweet Adelines International teaches that, "correction without compassion is brutality.” Our goal must be to help advance the other person, never to bring them down.

 

Jesus said to his disciples: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. – Luke 6:36