Fearless Faith

Share and share alike is a nice, if not noble, standard to embrace, but it is not enough. Say what? You mean that the relief work and humanitarian efforts spent on behalf of others do not measure up? To the contrary, they matter. Greatly. There is a need, however, to examine the implied reciprocity that naturally develops alongside responders when addressing the hurts of others.

It is part of our human condition, the expectation of reward for the good works that faith demands of us. We cannot beat ourselves up, though, for there is much personal value and well-being (mental and physical) in focusing on others for a time. The hard part is feeling underappreciated at times, particularly when there are so many other feel-good opportunities just waiting to provide head pats and warm embraces in return for kindnesses offered.

A significant number of professionals and everyday people who have participated in disaster aid and relief work over time run into an emotional brick wall called compassion fatigue, a manifestation of stress elements drawn from the work they undertake and the client population they serve. The burden of expectations can be so high as to be self-defeating at times. First responders are particularly vulnerable, but there are many others as well, including health workers at all levels, physical aid providers and clergy.

A pastor in a small rural church described the strain of being on call twenty-four hours a day, come what may. She decried the elevated super hero status conferred on her by numbers of community members, a testament to her skills despite her unsettledness. The very attributes that make her an excellent resource for so many remain a challenge for her, compassion fatigue a contributing factor. “My cape. My cape. I can’t find my cape!” she deadpans. “It’s in the drier, hon!” replies her spouse. They have shared this conversation before.

We do what we can in the ways that we can and perhaps have learned enough over time to enlist the aid of others without condition. None of us have the complete answers on how to help others most effectively, but quiet contemplation and listening deeply to one another is a great start. Awareness and a tough hide are also helpful at times.

Jesus knew when to say when in moments of fatigue. The noise and jostling of the crowds were not conducive to offering, let alone receiving, elements of compassion. Our challenge is to discover the Kingdom of God Jesus so desperately wants us to grasp, a Kingdom filled with compassion and care for one another, no matter how it is named. It is a tall order but we’re making inroads. How we respond paints a picture of who we are and the palette of choices is filled with every possible combination we can imagine.

Sometimes the path is clear. Other times, we must depend on others to guide us. Thank you to the compassionate members of our communities who are willing to both give and to receive. Revel in the work of others. Refrain from becoming too puffed up. Celebrate the hard work you are about. “Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply … (Romans 12:9-10 MSG).