In our over-politicized and under-empathetic world, war is a given. But desensitization doesn’t have to be the only response. It is possible to care for those suffering, though we’re far from the conflict. We don’t have to trade compassion fatigue for apathy. And in a world where strength is rewarded and kindness rejected, it’s of the utmost importance that we remember and respect the sanctity of human life.

Instead of wasting our time attempting to solve the great question of why there’s evil and suffering in the world, we should take a step away from our logical mindsets and step into a mindset of empathy.

The only thing that comes into fruition from the medium of violence is a wounded side and a less wounded side. No one comes out on top. There is no victory in destruction — only pain. And pain is the only thing that will continue in this country until we return to empathy.

When mental health issues are not adequately considered, defendants may not receive the compassion and context their situations deserve, resulting in harsher sentences or wrongful convictions.

“We just want to take care of the family in that moment and then remove ourselves, so the family can grieve,” Discreet Clean owner and Baylor alumna Lance Summey said. “We don’t necessarily need people to see what we see on a day-to-day, week-to-week basis. That’s not why we do what we do.”

The strongest tool we have as humans is our ability to connect, which requires emotional vulnerability and openness, not just with ourselves but also with others.

We have all experienced painfully awkward encounters where every word feels like a potential misstep, leaving us second-guessing our social skills. So, what is the secret to navigating these clumsy encounters with grace?

“Our kindness reflects the heart of our Father. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32),” Witmer said.

This morning while I was getting Starbucks, the cashier annoyed me to no end.

Why, you may ask?

She was just too excited. She had the biggest grin on her face, like giving me my Passion Tea drink was just the best part of her day. I do believe it could have been me not having enough caffeine in my body at the time to deal with someone’s exuberance, but it was also the fact that since I wasn’t in a good mood, anyone else being in that good of a mood was just annoying.