We are Called to Compassion

“We must learn to regard people less in the light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer

We are trained to turn away… not “to feel too much”; this is the way of the world system. But the Kin-dom of Christ pushes us towards awakening spiritually. I cannot stop thinking about #JordanNeely, none of us should. His public murder on a subway train in NYC shows us #mentalhealthawareness has to MOVE beyond being a buzz word, a monthly acknowledgement; it must push US towards a posture of empathy; as believers it must direct US to prayer + action for those who carry these wounds we cannot see.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you. 
— Ephesians 4:32  (connect to mental health awareness) 

Because God cares about all kinds of pain, not just the type we feel most comfortable praying for in the pews.
As a person living with #ptsd and anxiety, and who has family members with #mentalhealth challenges, I know what it’s like to carry invisible weights. God allow our wounds, and the wounds of others to become places where the light enters us (as Rumi says).