Compassion

I must be kind and compassionate. I must follow the path that Jesus has put us on. I should give to our brothers and sisters that are in great need. I need to right all of the injustices that occur in this world, even today.  I need to help those who have been wronged, accept those who are different, equal the playing field, let go of the past, and remember who God is and what his will for us is. I personally have been changed by the lectures that I have attended.

First, I have learned how important it is for me to report any sexual abuse that students in my classroom may be experiencing. As a Christian it is important for me to remember that this sort of behavior is not acceptable within the church. In the past, people who participated in such indecent behaviors were removed from the church, not the victims. I should never treat a child poorly because they have been sexually abused.

Next, being a mother of a special needs child, I know how it feels to be unwanted, to be turned away, or glared at because my son with autism behaves as he does. I often have people respond to me in the following ways: “Isn’t he too old to act like that?, Why is your son so immature?, Don’t you think it is about time that he learned better?” etc. I do not and have never treated those who are different in the manner that my family and I have been treated. I guess this is due to being raised with an uncle with mental retardation. When I was listening to the families of children with disabilities, I broke down and cried. It was as if I Iwere speaking. Every quote put on the screen was something that my husband, sons, and I have said. For my family, it is difficult to shop, go out to eat, go to a movie, let alone go to church.  I have told my children about King David’s Kids, and they are anxious to participate.

After the lecture on children with disabilities, I felt as if I had been on an emotional rollercoaster and was unsure if I would be able to focus on Fred Asare’s speech. However, he is such a powerful speaker that his message reached my ears. I have always known that even though I live the poverty line, I am more fortunate than other people. I know I am not poor, because I know how going to bed hungry feels, which was the case when I was young. I was still fortunate because I had access to clean water. I had clothing that my mother had made, I attended school, and I did without very little. I want to help those that are half a world away. I have been looking for ways that I can cut corners to give. My heart aches for the children of Africa, and I will find away to show them God’s love.

I also learned how to forgive those that have wronged me. I have struggled in this area more than any other. Forgiveness has never come easy to me; but now that I know what forgiveness does and does not mean, it should come much easier. Before I always thought that forgiving a person meant that you Were fine with everything. Now I know it does not. Since attending this lecture, I have started talking to my sister again. I may never trust her, but talking to her is a start.

Finally, I learned that I am in a time of waiting for justice and righteousness. In the mean time, I all must live as God’s child. I should not forget my brothers and sisters. I should never forget what being a Christian truly means.