Kindness and Compassion – Two Steps Toward Healing

Colossians 3:12 - Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Recently there was a violent earthquake in Alaska. Those who live there knew of the danger that faced them every day because of the history of earthquakes surrounding them. But it’s where they live. It’s not easy to find a new place to live when you don’t have the finances to do so. And, it’s where their families live, so they stay and rebuild.
 
However, what do people do when they live through a horrific earthquake, hurricane or wildfire and there’s no place to go for miles around where they lived. What do they do when there’s nothing left to go home to?
 
As I have written about in previous posts, this is what my mom faced in the wake of a wildfire. It was like as if her town had been wiped away. This also meant that there will be no rebuilding for at least a year, because of the need to repair infrastructure including water, sewer, and power along with making sure that all toxic materials have been removed.
 
So now what?
 
The many displaced residents have been forced into temporary shelters or they have fled to other cities.
 
And I can say with certainty, whether someone has been in a shelter or a new area, many stories have been told of how the victims’ trauma has been met with kindness and compassion.
 
There has been the provision of food and clothing, blankets and tents, and all along the way the two steps of kindness and compassion are leading many to find themselves on the road to healing from the tragedy.
 
This is what my mom has met at every turn.
 

• There were the first responders who went with my mother up a hotel elevator to make sure she made it to her room okay. She had been crying when she got to the hotel after just fleeing the fire.
• She went to a drug store for a few things and ran into a man, who after hearing my mom’s story, paid the bill for what she had in her shopping cart.
• She needed her brakes checked because she drove through fire twice and they weren’t working right and the garage wouldn’t let her pay the bill.
• There were the many employees of the hotel she’s been staying at for the last two weeks, who have treated my mom like family.
• Even as she made phone calls to cancel the satellite, gas and electric, garbage, and other utility companies she has been met with forgiveness of all charges.

 
Time-after-time, she has been met with kindness and compassion.
 
She has cried. They have cried.
She has laughed. They have laughed.
She has been confused. They have helped her figure things out.
 
Yes, kindness and compassion go a long way in the healing process. Here’s a few ways you can help a victim:
 

1. When your path is crossed by a disaster victim, first listen. – They have a story to tell and by telling it someone who will listen to them they can find comfort.
2. If you have the means, offer them financial help. – This would be like the examples above, paying for some groceries or for vehicle care.
3. Providing food, clothing, blankets or other tangible needs. – You may be able to do so directly, or you may refer the victim to a local charity who is helping provide basic needs.
4. Donating money to a credible non-profit that is raising funds for the victims. – Make sure though that you check the agency out to insure your money will go where you want it to.

 
Reader’s Digest (rd.com) post the article, “15 Ways You Can Help After a Natural Disaster (Hint: It’s Rarely Donate Clothes),” and suggests to think of children by donating toys, snacks or juices; also, hosting a food drive or donating your skills to your community.
 
With a little help from each one of us, by showing kindness and compassion, it will go a long way to help natural disaster victims begin to heal. The Bible verse above speaks of kindness and compassion like clothes we put on. So as you change your clothes or shoes during the day remember the victims of a natural disaster that has recently happened and be the hands and feet that bring relief.

Learn more