I’m reading Dan Rather’s book, What Unites Us. He is old enough to remember what life was like in the aftermath of the great depression, times before we had government programs to help people in need, along with the suffering which was thought of as normal. When someone lost their job, it felt like death, because there was not another job to be found. Neighbors would do what they could for each other, and when Dan asked his mother why they were helping the people across the street, thinking perhaps it was pity which inspired his folks to give, he was told it wasn’t because they felt sorry for them, but because they understood the feeling of being in need. He writes of how empathy builds community. That feeling is strong here in Eureka Springs. In the last two-and-a-half decades, I’ve watched our town band together to help people in every kind of need imaginable. I have been the recipient of that kindness more than once, and it has built empathy within me, too. When we don’t blame people for their misfortune, we don’t judge their circumstances, but simply meet their need, whatever it may be. It seems so simple, and it is a beautiful thing to watch in action. I wish everyone in our country could read or listen to this book by Mr. Rather. Good will multiplies exponentially, don’t you think? Let’s go forth and multiply!
"Do we love our neighbor better because of this asking? Do we pursue the old selfishness, satisfied with having prayed for something better, though we give no evidence of the sincerity of our requests by living consistently with our prayer? If selfishness has given place to kindness, we shall regard our neighbor unselfishly, and bless them that curse us, but we shall never meet this great duty simply by asking that it may be done. There is a cross to be taken up before we can enjoy the fruition of our hope and faith." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 9:6
