What is Compassion?
Even with the uncertainty of our economy, Americans continue to be among the most compassionate and giving people in the world. We donate through our churches, the Red Cross and other organizations to provide those in far-off countries things we take for granted, such as clean drinking water, food, clothing and housing. The success of the recent Autauga County United Way appeal is witness to our desire to help friends, neighbors, and yes, even strangers, with their special needs or situations. Citizens of Prattville, Autaugaville, Billingsley, Marbury and places in between, daily show compassion for others, not only financially, but with their time and talents. Autauga is a county of volunteers serving in organizations such as the Autauga Christmas Team, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, Autauga Inter-Faith Care Center, and numerous varied small groups which gather to knit caps and booties for preemies, or quilt together colorful squares of material which become durable throws and lap covers for the elderly. Many deliver meals, make calls to lonely shut-ins or provide transportation to church services or doctor's appointments. Compassionate acts of kindness are carried out in in a multitude of ways throughout our area. The dark storms, tornadoes and floods which devastated a large part of our nation in the past several years have shown that Americans are a compassionate and caring population. Hundreds of men, women and young people willingly left the comfort of their unscathed homes to attend to those who had lost family members, pets and possessions in terrifying, trying times. There was no distinction as to age, race, gender, religion or nationality. The tie that bound them was that there were humans in pain and the compassionate were there to offer comfort, hope and services. The worst of all scenarios brought out the best in people and allowed their true character to shine through. At times in our lives, we all must travel through the darkness to find the light. As C. Neil Strait, an American pastor and author said, "Kindness is more than deeds. It is as an attitude, is an expression, a look, a touch. It is anything that lifts another person." Mark Twain (Samuel Clemmons) also noted, "Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see." Thank you for your compassion.
|
