The Power of Compassion and Why It Matters

Compassion is a virtue that involves showing concern and sympathy towards the misfortunes of others.

In my book, both Haywood and Lilly Runyan become exceptional personas of this virtue when Haywood decides to write a book about the homeless situation in his town.

Lilly, on the other hand, also showed compassion when she recognized Oley Washington Jr. as the same veteran her college colleagues attacked in Washington, D.C.

Lilly, showing great remorse for the actions of her comrades, attempted to stop their attacks, but it was too late. Nevertheless, the guilt she felt carried her throughout the years until she reunited with him again and apologized profusely for what happened.

In a way, her compassion brought Oley back to his memories. When we treat others with mercy instead of indifference, we can significantly change their lives—whether we see it or not.

Compassion also helps challenge prejudices. When Haywood tells his wife that he plans to write about the plights that most homeless people face, he shows excellent understanding when he emphasizes their humanity. He never gave the impression that they deserved to be without shelter, nor did he say it. He was, if anything, a real Christian man who just wanted to change the world through the power of words.

That latter part is also what compassions entail—action. We cannot just say we "feel" compassion. If anything, we also show it. Aside from looking at a situation with kindness and understanding, we are also compelled to improve the situation. In the book, many church volunteers showed great compassion when they offered to help build a children's recreation center named after Oley's father. After the center was finished, many people hailed it as a miracle, and considering Oley's transformation from a homeless amnesiac to a respected veteran with a purpose—their words definitely ring true.

That said, I sure hope we can all show a bit of compassion every day, no matter how small. Who knows? Maybe we could make someone's day a little brighter. 

by Carl Kegerreis