Creating More Empathy

Image from Squidoo.com

A couple of weeks ago, a runner in our neighborhood was struck by a car and killed just down the street from our house.  No one I knew.  But when the local news showed his picture, I recognized him. He was the guy who I frequently saw running, the guy who always spoke with a smile whenever I encountered him during my morning walks.  Once I learned his name from watching the news, I went to my computer and Googled him. I opened his facebook page, which then in turn linked to his wife's facebook page. Her photos included one that was so impactful because of the tragedy...a photo of five stockings hung by a fireplace with the caption, "December 2010".  I suddenly felt a lot sadder about this loss of life, as I had been permitted through social media, to glimpse into the intimate images of this family.

Last weekend my husband and I took a trip 70 miles up the road to Fort Hood with seven bus loads from area churches for the purpose of "adopting" a soldier who is about to be deployed.  I've always had an emotional tug of patriotism, but how often do I stop during my day and think of the men and women abroad, fighting for or defending freedom?  Not nearly often enough.  Last Saturday I witnessed young men and women, some with girlfriends, boyfriends, spouses, and children, but most with their fellow military buddies.  Some were laughing and joking around, others had a more serious tone to their voices.  We met a family standing close together in which the husband/father told us he was going to Afghanistan in two days.  When we met the soldier that we were assigned, he told us he was being deployed to Afghanistan with his wife the very next evening.  As a result, I've thought more about our military this past week than usual, all because I had the privilege of getting to know some of these soldiers.


We all want to be empathetic of others, and want empathy shown to us, but I'm finding that there is a direct relationship between how empathetic I feel towards another person and how well I know them.  Look for opportunities to  connect with others whenever you can.  On the flip side, let others connect with you.  Don't be so guarded that you don't let others get a glimpse of who you are--both your strengths and your weaknesses.  Allow others the opportunity to feel empathetic towards you.

How do you create more empathy in your life?  Share your comments by clicking here.