Risk Showing Up
She is in her twenties and possesses a wisdom that belies her age. We were visiting recently and she made a statement that caused me to step back and ponder. She said, “It makes a difference, the people who show up when you really need them.” It is easy to show up when there is no misunderstanding, no hurt, no anger, no conflict. In other words, when there is no risk.
Just take a minute to consider how people flock to those who are flying high with everything going their way. Many people are much more interested in pursuing their own agenda and self-gain than investing in someone who is struggling. Authentic care for others appears to be in short supply these days. It takes strength and determination to stand with those who cannot.
It is risky to stand with a person who is in need. It can get dirty, messy and unsafe. There are no guarantees of success…unless you define success as being there for someone who needs a friend, an advocate or simply a kind face. There is a plethora of “selfish,” “what’s in it for me,” “I want to dominate you” type of attitudes in our society. This kind of person has no courage and no character.
Thank you, Haiden, for speaking truth to all of us. When we choose to show up for someone who really needs us, we will make a difference.
Larry
Check out our latest episode on the Crossing the Line Podcast:
More Than Words, with Julie Pham
