Kim Johnson at Common Threads asked us to write about compassion for our October Spiritual Journey gathering.
I was traveling on Thursday and failed to write my Spiritual Journey post ahead of time. This morning I've searched scripture, googled compassion, visited favorite books, looked at some poems and recalled an art exhibit I recently viewed in order to collect some thoughts on compassion.
My recent trip to Utah included attending the Restore Conference, a Faith Matters gathering of inspiring speakers and outstanding music, art, and community, all centered on restoring faith, belonging, and wholeness.
I attended a breakout session, Stepping out of our Chapels and into our Communities. The presenters provided a quiz (which I haven't taken yet) to help us identify our giving personality. Here's a slide of the nine types of giving personalities:
On Saturday morning we were asked to set an intention and called to practice compassion, curiosity, and courage.
The call to practice compassion reminded me of this quote from Brené Brown:
“Compassion is not a virtue—it is a commitment. It’s not something we have or don’t have—it’s something we choose to practice.”
While I was in Salt Lake City, a friend and I visited the Church History Museum's exhibition of the 13th International Art Competition featuring recent work of 150 Latter-day Saint artists from around the world exploring the gospel message “Lift Up the Hands Which Hang Down.” You can see the artwork by clicking on the title of the exhibit, but I highly encourage an in-person visit if you happen to be in the area. The art was varied and diverse and will be available until January 3, 2026.
I discovered a poem "Holding the Light" by Stuart Kestenbaum which ties in perfectly with this month's theme of compassion and a quote I shared last month from Anne Lamont's book, Stitches.
These words from 1 Peter 3: 8 (NKJV) speak to this month's theme:
"Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another, love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous."
As I put together this blog post, I realized that while my giving personality may be as a convener/gatherer, I'm also a gatherer/collector of words. One of my favorite ways to write about our theme each month is to collect and share the words of others. Now that I've written my post, I'm off to read your posts (my reward for finishing).
Ramona, thank you for this expression of how you collect words and share as you create your posts. My thoughts are with you for
ReplyDeleteYour losses at an early age/ that is a tough road to navigate at any age but especially so young. Your post brings peace and comfort today.
Ramona, if only we all had compassion for one another what a different world we would be living in today. I would like to see myself as a kindness spreader, though I know there are times I fail at this. The artwork and the message it sends are powerful. Bob
ReplyDeleteBob, I can see you as a kindness spreader. May you and Kathy spread sunshine to all around you.
DeleteRamona, your SJT blog shared so much that I have not seen in life. Art blending with words. The words restoring faith, belonging, and wholeness brings me peace of mind today. It has been a long weekend and I needed to think deeply about wholeness. The message our priest shared yesterday evening was to increase our faith. That was a solemn moment for me because emptiness is trying to steal my soul. Faith is what makes me believe. All week my friends and I prayed for one of my best friends who had a major heart attack and was left with touch and go that were sent out. I had to send these texts to other friends. Prayers and faith worked because she is "on the mends" but it will be a long journey. Now another friend will be sent to hospice. Add all of this together and I feel depression sneaking in again. I want you to know that your blog has given me the inspiration to walk out into the sunshine and feel God's presence. Thank you, my friend.
ReplyDelete"Stepping out of our chapels and into our communities"... Wow! If that isn't the definition of compassion, I don't know what is. I would've loved to be inspired by that talk. I suppose I already know though: it's showing up. It's being present. It's walking the talk. Getting our hands dirty. Thank you, Ramona for this inspiration.
ReplyDeleteRamona, what a rich post! Right away I was captivated by the program title: "Restore Conference." Our God is a God of restoration, is He not? How powerful and beautiful that artists come together in "restoring faith, belonging, and wholeness" for individuals and community - for we need one another so. Your choice of 1 Peter 3:8 is a wonderful reminder of our calling as believers, disciples, ministers...for, while we all may not be clergy, we are to minister to one another. I am also intrigued by the Giving Personalities. Where would I fall if I took such a quiz? And where would I fall short? You have offered us so much for reflection. With your references to "light" I am recalling the words of Christ on being "salt and light" in this world. Agents of preservation and change...out of compassion, like him. Thank you for the faith, courage, and encouragement you impart, my friend - you have strengthened me today.
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