Compassion

How do we know if we are compassionate people?

I have been asking myself this for awhile, but in particular this past week, as the world is dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti.

Today in class, we were talking about perceptions, and our teacher showed a clip from Ellen. A lady was on the show because her son had been victim to homophobic bullying, even though he was 11 and had never claimed to be "gay", and he ended up taking his life because of it. As tears came to my eyes throughout the clip, Ellen said something that really made me think. I can't write it down word for word - but it had to do with compassion, and how this world needs to show more of it.

I think something that God wants me to focus on (and that I'd like to focus on) is compassion. I'd like to consider myself a compassionate person, but how do I show compassion? How can I show more compassion? Who am I showing compassion to? Who am I not showing compassion to (and why not)?

Lord, I want to ask you to help me to act upon my compassion for others, whether they are close to me or far away. Reveal to me how you want me to show them compassion in a way that is honoring to you and the life you have ahead for me, but also for them. Help me to learn more ways that I can be compassionate and to show others the compassion that you have in store for them. Right now, I want to lift those up that have been affected by the devastation in Haiti. I pray that they will see your hand in all the help they are receiving. Please move people to be compassionate in this situation and to help your children that are in need. Help me, also, to find ways in which I can show compassion in this time of need. Thank you for all the compassion you have for your children, and specifically for me. You are amazing. In your holy and precious name, Amen.

This picture sums up how I'm feeling right now perfectly... 

...as I want to act on the compassion that I feel for others and not just think about it!