BLEEDING THOUGHTS OF CHRISTMAS

Sadly, you are correct. Pain and suffering does not take a holiday but no one wants to see it at any time of the year because they may feel guilty about the excessive lives they live. As always, children are victims of adult greed and stupidity and that is as it always was and will be because they have no political voice.

There is no shortage of evil lurking in the shadows trying to steal our joy and happiness but at least during the various holiday seasons there is a bit more focus on the suffering that is out there and a renewed vigor to solve the problem. Sure, there are those that make a donation here or there and have their conscience salved because they “did something” but there are also many folks whose eyes are opened for the first time to the darkness that threatens to destroy our most precious resource, children. As a matter of fact, it is usually a child who notices the stark differences between their existence and of children who are not so fortunate. Consequently, I do agree that people need to make certain that if they truly want to make a change in the life of a suffering person or family that they extend their help beyond the expiration of the holiday season. Nevertheless, there is much goodness, hope, faith, love, joy, and generosity that is born during this holiday season. These acts are the seeds for the future, for we never know how our one act of kindness will ripple throughout society. Helping just one child/person during this holiday season may be the spark that will set them on the path to change the world in a good way.

I used to feel so much anger and scorn toward those “holiday givers” because I knew most were only helping others so that they could go back to their two car garage homes that are stacked to the roof with possessions they hardly use, a full refrigerator and stocked freezer, nice cars, and all the modern tech gadgets that they could possibly “need”. However, we must be so careful not to ignore those bright flashes of light and love that are born from a person’s gift toward another. I learned that it does not matter what motive the giver had in the giving. No, it only matters how the gift is received and used to the betterment of the receiver’s life. A gift, regardless of the time of the year, has the potential to change a life and help a person step unto the path God has laid out for them. So, I relaxed about my anger toward the “empty-hearted” givers in the world because if they missed the blessing that a giver can feel then that is their loss but the receiver can take that gift and make a permanent mark upon the world. Hopefully, this mark will be a loving, caring, and compassionate one instead of developing a destructive attitude of entitlement. .

Those of us who see the suffering and have the courage not to look away but to actively do something to alter it can use these holiday seasons in which generosity is prominent to help change the giver’s heart as well. We can gently teach them that the need for a child or an adult may persist beyond this one day. We are ultra sensitive to the suffering all around us, which makes us deeply compassionate and empathetic; however, we must take great care not to ignore or refuse to see the good that is also abundant. Balance must be maintained for when you commit your life to fighting the suffering and injustices of the world then it is essential for our own spiritual health to work hard to see the good as well. For, if we only dwell within the darkness then we will become blinded to the good works that are truly incalculable. True, they are harder to recognize because most of these kindnesses are performed by people who make it their lifestyle. They are quiet givers of their time an resources and refuse to draw attention to their good deeds. They do not want recognition; therefore, they are harder to spot.

Your poetry is powerful and thought provoking as always my dear friend. I pray God’s abundant blessings upon you throughout the holiday season and beyond. Try to enjoy the smiles upon the children’s faces during the holiday even though you understand that their circumstances have not changed and they will get up the next day carrying burdens far too heavy for their slight shoulders.

Tina

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