Communal Empathy

Learning to stand in somebody else's shoes, to see through their eyes, that's how peace begins. And it's up to you to make that happen. Empathy is a quality of character that can change the world. - Former President Barack Obama

During COVID-19, it is apparent that people’s emotions are flared and tense.  Yet, we can make a commitment to practice empathy towards others.

Empathy is defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, according to Merriam-Webster.

Understanding that we are all in this together is one thing.  Practicing forgiveness for perceived slights or tense emails is the spiritual part of empathy.  This is not a suggestion to hold people accountable.  But it is permission to pause and make a decision to overlook a slight.

These past six weeks, I have both heard and experienced reactions that were less than calm, serene and Christ-like.  I am sure I have been guilty of reacting inappropriately and unexpectedly.  For that, I ask your forgiveness.

Yet, what challenges me during this COVID-19 experience is to extend grace to others.  In other words, I can, and do, understand and share the feelings of others – from multiple communities and cultures.  As a grandmother, professional over 50 and a person of color with a compromised health status, I can relate to many different scenarios.  You can too.

We are, at times, stressed out, fearful, peaceful, joyous, grateful, sitting in the unknown and disgusted.  The list of emotional realities during this pandemic is endless. 

However, one thing we can all do is be empathetic towards each other.  Hold the communities we love and interact in with grace, solace and comfort.  Realize and remember that although this pandemic impact each of us, we can choose to overlook most reactions at this time because they come from a place of uncertainty, fear and loss.

Thanks for reading.

Minister Michelle