The Proximity of Compassion #2136

The Proximity of Compassion In the rush of our days, we often fail to see, The souls that dwell so close, in silent plea. Just a heartbeat away, the broken and lost, In the shelter of each other, our paths are crossed. We cast aside those who stumble and fall, Proof of their guilt, we build up a wall. Yet echoes of the Teacher, timeless and true, "Practice what they say, but not what they do." Hypocrisy laid bare, their words just a sound, Preaching virtue high, but no compassion found. We’re called to see beyond the masks we wear, To touch each heart with love, to show we care. The distance is short, just a fleeting span, From indifference cold to the warmth of man. In the shelter of each other, we find our place, Living out love, extending God’s grace. Let us not judge, let’s embrace our shared plight, In vulnerability, find our true sight. To practice love, to embody the deed, Bridging the gap, fulfilling the need. In every soul, a story untold, In acts of grace, our hearts unfold. Together we stand, in the shelter we share, Living the truth, in compassion’s care. For the proximity of compassion is near, A heartbeat away, let us draw near. With acts of kindness, understanding, and light, Bridging divides, making wrongs right. So, let us reach out, extend our hand, In the shelter of each other, together we stand. Living the love, transcending the strife, Embodying compassion, the essence of life. -Steven G. Lee (July 3, 2024)