Just a thought
If someone has lived a life of harm, do they still deserve compassion?
This morality question is something I often think about because I see more and more people shutting the door on others. Maybe it is the first emotional reaction when hearing about the misdeeds of others that shapes that judgment, but should the door really be shut so quickly?
I know that when people hear my stories and get to know me, they tell me I am not that same person or that I was just surviving. I was lucky that I never landed in serious trouble, and I found mentors who eventually led me down the right road. Not everyone gets that opportunity, and even more often, people receive no compassion from others to help with rehabilitation.
Maybe it is not our responsibility to care, and maybe it is not our responsibility to forgive, but I remember plenty of moments in my life when I needed to ask for forgiveness because I made a mistake or was stuck in a selfish mindset. I know I have benefited from the kindness of others who chose to guide me, and I am grateful that people gave me that gift.
I did not have the best upbringing, and I did not have many resources at the start to help me, but I truly was blessed with the people who walked into my life.
When I think about the people I love and care for, and the possibility that I might have children someday, I know that to the best of my ability I will guide them through life. They might take a bad turn or make a bad decision that follows them throughout their life, and I hope that if I am not the guide they choose to put their trust in, kindness still finds its way to them. This is not about avoiding responsibility, but I do believe people can change and come back from their past.
This morality question is something I often think about because I see more and more people shutting the door on others. Maybe it is the first emotional reaction when hearing about the misdeeds of others that shapes that judgment, but should the door really be shut so quickly?
I know that when people hear my stories and get to know me, they tell me I am not that same person or that I was just surviving. I was lucky that I never landed in serious trouble, and I found mentors who eventually led me down the right road. Not everyone gets that opportunity, and even more often, people receive no compassion from others to help with rehabilitation.
Maybe it is not our responsibility to care, and maybe it is not our responsibility to forgive, but I remember plenty of moments in my life when I needed to ask for forgiveness because I made a mistake or was stuck in a selfish mindset. I know I have benefited from the kindness of others who chose to guide me, and I am grateful that people gave me that gift.
I did not have the best upbringing, and I did not have many resources at the start to help me, but I truly was blessed with the people who walked into my life.
When I think about the people I love and care for, and the possibility that I might have children someday, I know that to the best of my ability I will guide them through life. They might take a bad turn or make a bad decision that follows them throughout their life, and I hope that if I am not the guide they choose to put their trust in, kindness still finds its way to them. This is not about avoiding responsibility, but I do believe people can change and come back from their past.
