Her Empathy is Her Strength
I am blessed to say that within a few days, I will be turning 63 years old. I am grateful for the opportunity not only to live another year but also to have the honor and privilege to sow into the lives of others regularly. As we grow older, we begin to think about our lives and contributions, and we wonder if they have made a difference. Sometimes, the things we do in life can be hard to measure by man’s standards regarding success or being significant. Still, when we look at what we do from the perspective of God’s eyes, if we are helping others and trying to add something positive by showing compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and empathy, it truly makes a positive difference.
Recently, during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, I was touched by so many of the speakers. Still, one phrase that stood out to me was when the First Gentleman, Doug Emhoff, shared a little bit about his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris, and how she can sometimes be misunderstood because of her big, beautiful smile and laugh. Still, he said her empathy is her strength. When he said that statement, it resonated with me deeply because that is truly how I have tried to live my life. Empathy is described as the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, which is different from the emotion of being sympathetic. Empathy involves recognizing emotions in someone else, imagining how they might feel, and responding with care and consideration. It is said that sympathy is when you care, but empathy is going one step further in feeling what the other person is going through. Extending empathy can play a crucial role in authentically building solid relationships with people and opening doors of communication and understanding.
On the other hand, strength is about endurance, resilience, and the ability to handle difficult situations. Having what is perceived as a quiet strength can be powerful because people often underestimate you and what you can do. There are various forms of strength, including physical, mental, emotional, moral, and inner strength, which I am referring to in this situation. Inner strength is a combination of mental and emotional durability. This strength allows an individual to face life’s challenges with confidence and grace. People with this type of strength believe in others and themselves, and they do not give up. Being empathetic and extending attributes such as kindness and forgiveness can get exhausting when we do not feel valued or appreciated. Still, Galatians 6:9 in the Bible reminds us,” Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.”
During this political season, there has been a lot of turmoil and fighting among friends, family, and neighbors about who is the better candidate, and I feel that some people are putting not only a particular party before our country but even an individual before their party and before what is best for America. This is a perfect example of where our strength must come in and show empathy towards those who may be lost or confused. Former President Obama said that we would have patience if one of our grandparents said something a little off-kilter; well, we must extend the same grace (and empathy) towards others who are a little off-kilter. We can learn to love our neighbors and people who do not look like us, think like us, love like us, speak, pray, vote, or feel like us. Just love them no exceptions. This is genuinely showing your strength through empathy.
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on.
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.