Compassion In the Community
vs. indifference
Helping those who are hurting
To practice Compassion, I will: 
- notice when others are hurting
- be kind regardless of differences
- listen when others want to talk
- stop to help
- treat myself kindly without indulging
You OK?
By Mary Andres Russell
When our granddaughter was only three years old, she would occasionally ask me a sweet and endearing question, “You OK?” She would be in the other room playing and would call out, “You OK Mimi?” She was checking-in with care and sweet compassion.
When my stepson was 16, he played basketball in a church league. My husband was assistant coach, and I was privileged to sit on the bench as scorekeeper. I noticed that every time a player came out of the game for a substitution, the head coach asked, “You OK?” A show of concern, a checking-in.
“You OK?” Such a simple question. If we listen to the answer, we can create an opportunity for connecting and healing.
Recently, a friend told me about her college-aged daughter, who has struggled for years with anxiety. My friend and her husband provide support through encouraging texts. When the daughter steps out into new or challenging situations, she texts her parents, “Am I OK?” They respond with a resounding “Yes!!!” or longer messages of encouragement.
Compassion is taking the time to help others heal. People heal through conversation, through their tears, through prayer, and through caring concern.
In 1982, my father died after a lengthy battle with cancer. For the next six months, my mother told anyone who would listen to the story of his struggle. In telling the story, little by little, she was healing.
By truly listening, acknowledging others’ feelings, and not necessarily trying to fix them, we can help others heal. “You OK?” This month, ask this simple question, listen to the answer, open your heart, and create a space for healing.
The Links below will take you to Resources you can use with the family or within community organizations
to teach the Character Quality of Compassion.
The following activities are related to dates this month and can relate to any character quality or good character in general.
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New Year Activity
Always January 1It’s a new year, a time for new beginnings. Play Start Stop Continue. Each person picks a behavior they want to Start in the New Year, a behavior they want to Stop in the New Year and a behavior they want to Continue in the New Year. Focus on habits...
Our other Pillars have resources that can be used in a community or family setting.
Visit Compassion in School>>
Activities
No Matter How You Say It
Curriculum Connections
Croskey’s Corner
Visit Compassion in Business>>
Teambuilding
Power Up with Character
Interview Questions
Adult Business Books
Visit Compassion in Faith>>
Christian Family Activity
Bible Verses
Christian Poster
Prayer and Reflections
Archived Resources