Pain an avenue of strength to help others

Pain, abuse, financial struggles, hardships, loss, addictions, mental disorders, physical disabilities, sickness, all a part of daily life for some. This part of daily life is often ignored by what most would consider normal. The daily life of those struggling with a torture and daily pain that is hard to fathom is often a lonely path. This path is not chosen, but one that must be walked all the same. It is often lonely due to the avoidance, judgments, and apathy of those in our society that can make a difference in others daily lives, but for one excuse/reason or another they choose to let someone else do the dirty work.

If everyone chose this apathy and avoidance, who would be there to make this world a better place for others? Who would be there to ease the pain of the suffering, the dying, the abused, and the sick? Are we supposed to walk it alone? Even if the suffering ones are partly to blame for there condition, where is the humanity? Where is the compassion? Have we as a society grown cold? Can’t we see, or do we even care about those in need around us?

Sure, we all have our own hardships in life to face. But still. Are we so engrossed in our own lives that we have forgotten about such things, as neighborly love, grace, compassion, mercy, giving, peace, and caring? What will it take for you to choose social justice, compassion, love, and grace? What if others treated you in the way that you treat them? Would you be taken care of, or would you be one of the ones that are avoided and swept under the rug?

Pain, abuse, hardships, loss, financial struggles, loss, addictions, and sickness, all have been a part of my life at one point or another. At one point the thought of living to see another day was enough to send me over the edge with anxiety. Without the loving support, compassion and mercy of those around me such as my pastor, those in my church, neighbors, new friends and even the occasional stranger my path would have been much different, maybe even non-existent. Their love and support gave me the will and strength to make it through another day. Your love and support for another, no matter how insignificant you may think it is, just may save someone else’s life.

Your own struggles no matter how difficult can be manageable. There are people who care. You are loved. Even if friends and family abandon you God loves you. Your life is valuable, and even you can make a difference. Your struggles can be used as an avenue to build strength. The strength and boldness needed to rise up against the grain, stand against even the mightiest of people, speak truth, and make a difference, just because it is what is right. Doing what is right is NOT weakness, but bold and show strength. To go against the norm and support justice for all races, genders, and all other assortments of people takes great strength and boldness. The strength and boldness that is built through our daily lives can be used for change.

It may not be popular, it may alienate you from all those you call friend and family, but if you don’t stand for what is right, and neither does anyone else who will? It is NOT a sign of weakness to help others in need; it is NOT weakness to stand for what is right, but rather a sign of great strength, and courage. I pray you will be one to choose to do what is right, no matter the consequences you may face.