Misplaced Compassion in an Upside-Down World

Recently, my little one was out sick with a nasty cold. With the pandemic and school protocols in place, we knew we’d need to get him tested. We did, negative, no biggie. A few days at home and teaching him how to blow his nose and cover his cough and he’ll be back to preschool soon.

Seems like a no-brainer, but these days people are wrapped in worry at the slightest sniffle. Either they’re afraid of being accused of carrying it or they’re actually afraid of having it. When I messaged the school nurse and his teacher to assure them I’d forward the results, that seemed to be the only concern. I got a thank you for sending the results. What’s missing? How about, “how’s he doing” or “hope he feels better soon” which I expected. Now, I’m not offended, just surprised. They’re sweet people and I know they care and were just moving along through the day, but where are we these days with compassion.

Seems we care more about getting things done and shuffling information and following protocols in our busy, rule-stricken world than actual compassion. We’re afraid to check in on people or bring them something because we might be exposed. We muffle kids and stifle dialogue so no one is offended. We cancel parties and events because someone might be left out. Some places are banning celebrations altogether in the name of inclusion. A town near me canceled their school Halloween events because some children may not be able to afford costumes. There’s so much ‘inclusion’ that’s it’s becoming ‘exclusion.’ Where does it end?

At some point, we need to draw a line, and we may need to consider drawing it back some ways; we’ve already crossed it. In a ‘free’ country, it seems some choices are being removed for fear of offended others. If those who don’t want to offend others were serious, they would allow everyone to make their own choices. Want to celebrate? Sure! Don’t want to celebrate? Your choice. Want to celebrate but can’t afford it? Let’s help you! Isn’t that how it used to be?

Lights out at Halloween means no candy so go to the next house. No Christmas lights in December probably means they aren’t Christian. If I wish you a Merry Christmas and you say have a nice day, or even Happy Hanukkah, I’m fine with that! Let’s talk to our neighbors and see how they’re doing. Do we know someone struggling? Churches build Thanksgiving baskets every year for those in need. Our neighbor passes along children’s clothes. (Seriously, with so many boys they manage to go through many kids before it worn to threads!) It’s time to start knowing our neighbors again and not just the locals. It’s time to reach out and care, verbally and physically. Works of Mercy people! We need to slow down and ask ourselves, “Am I being Christ to the world, or to this person, right now?” It shouldn’t matter if they’re Christian. They’ll know we are Christian by our love! (John 13:35, also this song!)

The compassion we see in the secular world is not genuine to human nature. I shouldn’t have to express my pronoun upon introduction and I refuse to. It’s like hearing hoof beats and thinking zebras. If I don’t tell you, just assume I’m traditional. We’ve made it thousands of years without needing to change human identity. In fact, we’re losing our identity and we need it back. Let’s start with love, True Love. That’s my choice and if someone doesn’t like it, they can choose to go the other way. I will continue to choose Christ.