“The Greatest challenge of the day is how to bring about a revolution of the heart, a revolution which has to start with each one of us,” Dorothy Day
Three cheers for the angels of the night, hearts upon their sleeves and determination in their eyes. Lifting up those in need with courage and hope-filled aspirations of better days ahead.
We hope and pray that life will become better as we struggle through our lived routines each day. Feeding our families, caring for the sick, keeping our employers pleased with our service and paying the bills. And there are a lot of bills? We are challenged each and every day to be somewhat better than we were yesterday. It is a natural thing to please oneself and others, attracting attention and possibly some applause as well. Doing the right thing is hard work after all. Being busy folk often leads to a form of isolation, keeping us from others around us. Privacy concerns, perhaps, or simply a selfish need for a space with peace and quiet.
This isolation can keep us from those in need. I am talking about charity shown towards others, both known and strangers, as well. After all, we need some form of social life, rubbing shoulders with the “other”. It can take the form of family members, friends, neighbours or the most difficult complete strangers. In order to communicate with others, you need some form of connection, and that is difficult to initiate and maintain these days. We are told that vulnerability is something to hide and stay away from. Opening ourselves to others is difficult for most, impossible for many. Today’s societal demands place us in a 2’x2′ private space of imaginary protection where others cannot emotionally, mentally or physically harm you. The invisible sphere of protection does not keep anything out, but it does make you feel better.
There are people who spend their day doing nothing but helping others. I can acknowledge it is a stressful and difficult life, helping those in need. The challenges one faces can lead to hardship but also achievement, serenity and satisfaction. You can feel better about yourself once you see that you’re helping improve the lot of those you’re helping improve their lot. Most people involved in charities and helping others do so personally alone, standing on their own two feet to face the demons around them. Addiction, homelessness, all forms of abuse, conflict with those you’re helping and the authorities who try to help but usually do not know how to effectively do so. The above-mentioned Dorothy Day was such a person, religiously initiated and forever looking for ways to help. An American with open arms who applied herself to the task at hand, changing the world one person at a time. There are many people who have invested themselves in others in ways that would surprise you. They are religious, secular, atheistic and simply human. They have witnessed the Brotherhood and Sisterhood of mankind, heard its calling and answered its commands willingly. Some become Saints, others live their lives to the fullest, only to perish when the time is right. Most are not alone, but seek out those in need together with other individuals whose purpose in life sets them apart from the global pool.
A unique group, those who accept humanities challenges willingly. They educate those living in ignorance, find shelter for those living on the streets, entertain and assist the depressed and mentally challenged while soldiering onward to the day their services will not be needed. You can find them in hospitals, shelters, the cold streets at night. You call them nurse, officer, minister, brother and sister, and caring friend.
Without these people, society would crumble. And ye,s you can be one of them yourselves. Start by helping those around you, family, neighbours and friends. If you enjoy what you’re doing, expand your ambition elsewhere. There is a great need for helpful hands and creatively empathetic minds.
“There is no better exercise for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up” John Holmes
“If we always helped one another, there would be no need for luck” Sophocles
Steven Kaszab
Bradford, Ontario
