Compassion

A year ago I was invited to join 52 women in writing essays on 52 universal virtues for a project called Girl on Purpose in support of girls' education. The virtue that was chosen for me to write on was Compassion. Given the amount of tragedy we have seen globally and locally in the last year, this essay has come back to me as a means of solace and gentle reminder of the power of showing compassion to everyone I encounter on daily basis. 

To My Younger Self,

As a daughter of greatness you come equipped with a certain set of abilities that I like to call Superpowers. I would like to talk to you about the superpower known as Compassion. I once knew a girl who seemed to possess an extra portion of this power unbeknownst to her. However, for a long time it was eclipsed by another called Pain. Pain consumed her every thought and decision, leading her to foresee a life of derision and shame. If only some how this girl could see past that which alleged to be eternal for what it really was, temporary.

Latoya, my dear, you are that girl. I want you to understand the great message this unwanted stranger known as Pain was commissioned to deliver.  In spite of what many think, pain is not always malicious in character, most times it has noble intentions. For us to accurately decipher those intentions, we must take the time to listen. Although we have not the time for an etymology class, I would like for you to think about the following: compassion cannot exist without pain.

You, my love, are braver than you know. For a while we thought pain was intent on breaking us, intent on creating for us a future we did not desire. However, it was preparing us for a journey we had not yet imagined. It was teaching us not only to love ourselves for who we are and where we are, it was teaching us to love those around us in the same manner. It was sent to enhance your ability to be more compassionate. History has provided us with many examples of courageous men and women whose lives embodied compassion.

It was compassion that made Mandela endure 27 years in jail for his nation. It was compassion that moved Mother Theresa to live a life dedicated to the destitute. It was compassion that led MLK to dream of a better world. Compassion commissioned Ghandi to the hunger strikes. Compassion has a way of making ordinary men and women extraordinary. It was compassion that eclipsed the life and sacrifice of Christ. It is imbedded in all of us and human suffering ignites it but many allow their flame to be snuffed out. You my child fight to ensure your flame is never quenched or quieted.

Over the years, I have seen that you are at the pinnacle of your existence when you are compassionate. I can remember the conversations you had with yourself about changing the world. I have come to let you know today that in those moments when you allow yourself to care for the needs of a stranger or when you go the extra mile to help a friend, in those moments, through those simple acts you become a Super Hero, changing the world as you have always dreamed.

Suffering with another is not a curse as many treat it. To suffer with another is a great gift. It reminds us that we are all interconnected and we need each other to survive. The ostracism of compassion has been the cause of senseless wars and heartless injustice. You have the ability to be different. You have the opportunity to champion that which the human race needs to survive, compassion. My dear, do not get caught up in leaving a legacy of material things and vain accomplishments, leave a legacy known for your ability to love unconditionally and being quick to show mercy.

It is my desire that you learn sooner than later that Compassion is the ticket that will take you to distant lands. It will cause nations you do not know to run to you and a people you have not known to become your own. These three things I learned about the power we have within. First, it is compassion that allows us to identify with the humanity in others. Secondly, this is put to the test when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable to help those who can never repay us. Finally, when we are moved by compassion the miraculous occurs.

May these words become the wind beneath your wings world changer.  May you awaken to the fact that you are more powerful than you can ever imagine. May you embrace compassion and its co-hosts with an open mind and willing heart. And may Compassion become your intentional way of life. 

Love Always,

Your Biggest Fan.