Lest We Forget

“Lest we forget.”  We often hear this phrase associated with tragedy; it’s meant as a reminder of those who suffered and the circumstances of the event.  While it’s important we remember these situations lest history repeat itself, the phrase has much deeper significance for me.  Namely, we are all spirit formed from the same lump of eternal clay sharing a human experience.  We all originate from the same Spirit and will someday return there.  Our time in human existence is incredibly short.  “Lest we forget” is a call to remember our eternal heritage in the midst of this human experience.

I read a story recently that brought this to the fore.  It was of a businessman who walked by a homeless gentleman selling pencils outside a subway entrance.  With compassion, the businessman tossed some money in the tin then walked down to catch the train.  Before boarding, the businessman returned to the man, reached down for a couple of pencils, then apologized telling the man he was sorry he forgot his merchandise while commenting he recognized they both are businessmen.  Months later, that same pencil salesman approached the businessman at a meeting.  He remarked that he probably wouldn’t remember him.  He reminded him that he had purchased pencils from him several months before.  He then thanked him for his respectful comment and told him that gesture motivated his new success.

The point to this story is not “except by the grace of God go I” but one of mutual respect.  When we see another person, do we acknowledge the kinship we share?  Do we fall into judgment based on how they look, color of their skin, religious beliefs, or other superficial features?  If we strip away what we see we might be surprised that the face we see looking back at us, looks like us.  And why shouldn’t it?  After all, we share the same spiritual parents.

Humanity has become far too dependent on exterior appearance.  We’re quick to draw conclusions about others based simply on what we see or read.  What binds us together isn’t what can be seen; it is our sacred heritage.  It’s only when we look within the other person and recognize their spirit that we truly begin to connect.  The transformative power of human connection takes place at the heart and soul level.  When you see someone who in your judgment is ‘less fortunate’ and feel empathy not pity you see into their spirit.  Empathy is shared where pity is not.  Empathy empowers us to reach out and see the human – we go back for the pencils we paid for.  Pity on the other hand allows us to walk away self-righteously believing we did a good deed by simply tossing some coins in the tin.

The fact is we are all broken in some ways.  Perfection is an illusion fabricated and perpetrated by society.  We are coaxed and coerced into believing there’s a better way if we just spend more, do more, be more.  In some cases, brokenness is clearly visible like the homeless or sick.  For most of us, we try to hide areas we believe make us look weak, unattractive, or vulnerable.  Whether seen or unseen, we all are broken in one way or another.  When you see someone who is overweight or disfigured in some way, do you recoil or reach out?  Do you say to yourself “what a fat slob” or does your heart respond with love?  Is the homeless man at the end of the freeway offramp a ‘lazy bum’ or a soul who has fallen on hard times?  When we jump to judgment, it’s often a reaction against that which we fear or dislike about ourselves.  It is a mirror into our deeper selves.  Expanding empathy starts with self-compassion.  You have to love your imperfect self in order to open your heart and soul to others.

There isn’t enough empathy in our world today.  Our tendency to jump to judgment before getting to know a person results in bias, racism, and a host of other societal ills.  I’ve learned a lot from my oldest daughter who has dedicated her life working with homeless and disadvantaged youth.  She has helped me to remember that every life is precious, unique, talented, and valued.  My wife walks past numerous homeless on the streets of Denver with tears in her eyes each day as she goes to work.  Her heart aches while reaching out and sharing her love’s energy to each life in hopes for something better for them. 

When we can experience the pain of others, we are truly human, truly alive.  Look within as you look out at those who suffer and feel love for them.  They are your spiritual siblings.  That’s what it takes to honor the authentic spirit we were all born with and where we all return to.  It may not be possible to lift every downtrodden person we encounter, but you can share the love energy of your heart.  They may not return to you in this life to say thanks, but your energy of love will be rewarded.

Duane is founder of Connect2Action and an aspiring quiet, reflective servant-leader.  He is a curious sage in perpetual development connecting all on a journey of discovery of our highest purpose.  Follow Duane on Twitter @connect2action and connect with him on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Google+.  Learn more about Connect2Action by visiting www.connect2action.com.

You can follow his blogs at:  mindfulperspectives.blogspot.com and connect2action.blogspot.com