Don’t Bypass Empathy
Growing up, I learned two invaluable lessons that shaped the way I navigate life: 1) to look for the good, and 2) to rely on my faith. These principles were instilled in me through the example of my parents. They taught me to find light even in dark moments and to lean on spiritual strength when times got tough.
For many years, this perspective served me well. I focused on the bright side and pushed through challenges by brushing the hard stuff under the rug. But eventually, I started tripping over that ever-growing pile. Ignoring pain didn’t make it disappear; it simply created obstacles I had to face later on.
Hank Smith put it beautifully when he said, “Don’t be so quick to tell people the Lord‘s Atonement can heal them that you forget to mourn with them.” His words remind us of the importance of empathy—of pausing to sit with others in their pain rather than rushing to fix it or gloss it over with positivity.
It’s a delicate balance: having faith in the power of Christ’s Atonement while also acknowledging that people need space to grieve, struggle, and process. When we genuinely mourn with those who mourn, we create connections that bring comfort and healing.
Faith is a powerful tool, but it’s not a substitute for compassion. Let’s remember to use our faith to deepen our empathy, not bypass it. True healing comes when we walk alongside each other—acknowledging the pain, embracing the process, and trusting in God’s grace.
The same applies to ourselves. We must not rush to heal our own pain without first allowing ourselves to feel and process it. Ignoring our struggles doesn’t make them disappear; it simply delays the healing we need. When we extend empathy inward, we create space for genuine self-compassion and growth.
Faith can also guide us in our personal healing journeys, but it’s essential to pair it with patience and kindness toward ourselves. By acknowledging our own grief and struggles, we can trust in God’s grace to help us move forward—not in haste, but with understanding and love for the process.
