An Offering - The Compassion Project

I know pain; kneeling by the side of the bed in the middle of the night, fearing the next breath, wishing and praying for the dark creature within to twist the knife and bring it all to an end.  I do not know your pain.

I know fear; the terror of the furious voice, or hearing the words that may end your life, or at least life as you have known it, casting you into the depths of hopelessness.  I do not know your fear.

I know loss; the hollow emptiness of a vacated organ or friend or loved one, to suicide, accidental death, miscommunication, cancer, or other illness.  I do not know your loss.

I know anger; the fire in the stomach that threatens to force its way out, with or without permission, filling me with fear of repercussion if I let it out, or consequences if I do not.  I do not know your anger.

I know despair; the slow slide from oblivion to the abyss, where one contemplates unspeakable acts upon one’s own person, seeking only momentary relief, with no real hope of achieving it.  I do not know your despair.

I know ignorance; the exhaustible confusion of not knowing what to do, what can be done, what should be done, what has been done.  I do not know your ignorance.

I know suffering; the heart wrenching ache that cannot be quenched, that demands to be quenched, that can only by pacified a little at a time.  I do not know your suffering.

I know hatred; the all-encompassing abundance of wrongs done and wrongs received.  I do not know your hatred.

I know shame; hiding in the pit of my soul, regretting actions or inactions, thoughts and desires.  I do not know your shame.

I know forgiveness; of wrongs done and wrongs I have done, to myself and to others.  I forgive you.  I forgive me.

I know mercy; its starts by recognizing ourselves in each other, and treating each other with loving kindness.  I offer you mercy.

 I know compassion; the sweet beauty of a wrong relieved, removed, corrected, often at the hands of a stranger unfamiliar with our shortcomings.   I offer you compassion.

Let me show you.