TRUST built through COMPASSION

COMPASSIONbuildsTRUST
because trust and COMPASSION are interconnected
(even AI knows this)
COMPASSION
is often the key component to building
TRUST
TOGETHER

[image credit: Andy Lee]

This week as we continue in the

we turn to

COMPASSION

"Compassion, a profound and central theme in the Bible, is the sympathetic consciousness of others' distress coupled with a desire to alleviate it. It is a divine attribute and a moral imperative for believers, reflecting the character of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ."

I just sensed that there has to be a flow; or some kind of link between the previous One Words TRUST, and then TOGETHER, that surely with the next one being COMPASSION -there must be a link. It seems for me that each week's next WORD is building or connected to the previous ones and in my personal journey EL RACHUM has touched me & spoken through each of these One Word FOCUSES. The One Word being COMPASSION definitely seems to be one that is so needed in the world and times that we are living in and facing; it seems to be in a high demand but at the same time lacking sadly in so many. Being a compassionate person (at least I thought of myself as this), I easily hurt for others. I thought before looking it up in a search that COMPASSION is having passion with ... but I found out that the Latin root words are actually "com" meaning "with" (I had that part ok) but "pati" means to suffer or to endure; so literally "compati" means to "suffer with or endure TOGETHER". I guess if you're going to suffer or endure together with someone in their suffering, pain, circumstance, etc. it takes a bit of passion to be able to remain deeply committed to being willing (& able) to endure, and so much empathy and understanding feeling as they must feel, facing with them all that they face.

The current crisis in our country brings me to this place far too often and breaks my heart & my spirit to hear, see, witness the many hardships that millions are facing and communities finally more and more are standing up and standing with them, yet it does not deter or stop their suffering and the injustice on so many levels that are randomly being imposed on people.

The COMPASSION in me, tells me that this is far beyond what God wants or intends for us, for them and has called us forth to show COMPASSION, not just to cry out for or with them but to go that extra mile in their shoes & do all we can to stand, guard, and resist the cruel, inhumane treatment unleashed and not on many of the guilty ones (so far) but on innocent people. It's barbaric in so many ways! It definitely is uncalled for and God will hold us all accountable (even if we remain uninvolved or stay clear of the conflict & wave of mass cruelty, we are responsible to and for one another) {just by not watching the horrific news or keeping up with all that's happening is not any excuse, WE are called & WE are chosen to be the feet and hands of Jesus} - to love one another as our neighbor as ourselves and as God loves them and us, and to show our Love of God & to God by how we are toward humanity. We are called to be humane to all! If we cannot love those who we see right in front of us, how can we love God, who we have not seen visibly? - but ohhh how those of us who love the Lord, our God, we have felt His Immense & Unfathomable Love shown to us through Jesus Christ. We do know, we must care & be concerned about all the destruction & deceit in our midst. How have so many forgotten this basic premise of God's Love? (John 3:16; John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:16) - look how much love the Father lavished on John through his relationship with Jesus; knowing, loving & serving alongside Him - as WE too must do with hearts of COMPASSION.

I know that at the time that Jim Branch, author of "The Blue Book", wrote and put all of this TOGETHER, he did not have the foreknowledge of how much these weekly Words would impact and speak to this day, but I am sure that God guided and instructed him & the choice readings of Reflection as well as the scriptures, prayers and songs to speak to us whatever situation we find ourselves or our world in - so that we would have gained much on each of these WORDS to be able to deepen our faith in Jesus Christ and the fabric of our morals and the character & perseverance it takes to endure and stand WITH others in all that we face. This takes COMPASSION and EMPATHY! This takes the heart of God, the Father, who wants us to stand TOGETHER in His Love - the Love Jesus shows/showed us. We serve the God of COMPASSION - EL RACHUM - for HE IS COMPASSION (as HE IS LOVE) & so MERCIFUL!

Opening Prayer: "Loving Father, teach me to love and care for those that need you today. Those who are passed over and do not feel love unless I love them for You. May Christ's love for others be felt through me today. In Your name and by Your power I pray these things. Amen." (Disciplines for the Inner Life by Michael Benson and Bob Benson)

Page 376 in book is the starting page
with Psalm 103
and Jim Branch's website (April, 2013) is one location I found,which may or may not go along with the Book,and from what I can see the Scripturesare not the same on *day 1 only - but 2-7 seem OKbut always go with the BookI will continue to look for another location in his archives forCOMPASSIONand update if I find another

compassion, day 1   compassion, day 2  compassion, day 3 compassion, day 4 compassion, day 5 compassion, day 6 compassion, day 7

*On Jim Branch's website day 1 has Luke 6:27-36and The Blue Book has Matthew 9:35-38(for us on Monday)
I like to go to Jim's pages for the Readings of Reflectionsthat he puts with each of the Daily Scripture

Frederick Buechner #2 Reading

So amazingly AI provided me with:
"How Compassion Builds Trust"
and also
"How to Build Trust with Compassion"
I think if you are interested and put those words in the Searchyou can learn what AI taught me, but you know I preferwhat God shows you through this week's readings & Scripture.
What I used to initiate my search are the words in my title:
TRUST built through COMPASSION
AI Overview and one special tidbit from a Deeper Dive{see if this aligns with what you think or discover}

"Trust is built through compassion by showing genuine care and understanding, which creates a safe environment for open communication and collaboration. By demonstrating empathy, you make people feel valued, heard, and secure in their relationships, leading to greater loyalty and a stronger connection. This foundation of trust can be cultivated through consistent, small actions and empathetic communication strategies." "Trust is significantly enhanced by compassion because it creates a sense of psychological and emotional safety, where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued without fear of judgment. This safety is foundational for open communication, collaboration, and resilience in both personal and professional relationships."

For me 
COMPASSION
is one of my core values
I do hope it shows more as the need increases
in our nation and the world
through me and others 
who share this value.
A Great and Prosperous Nation
can and must do better!
Americans are deeply compassionate people
(at least we use to be, and tried to be better)
So I for one, and I hope for others, that
WE, the people
will not tolerate indifference toward the poor
nor allow injustices to continue
against people different from us 
whether that be 
color, creed, citizen or not - just hoping to become one;
nor our gender
WE, must embrace our diversity
WE, must seek for economic, educational, and employment equality that many before us have fought & died for.
May EL RACHUM have mercy on us!
and lead us into how WE can rally 
TOGETHER
in the social battle and struggles
of this blessed country
being given up
for people
who lack
COMPASSION
and show little to no mercy for others
just more greed, power & control
over the lives of others
who were given
the same free will to choose
not to steal, rob & destroy
Please take a
good look in the mirror
and seek the reflection of Jesus Christ
wanting to build up & restore
not tear down. 
Give as you have been given!
Kindness not cruelty.
Love not hate.
I beg of you
to do your part to
STOP
what's happening
&
show more
COMPASSION
<><><>
God is watching!
<>
COMPASSION
requires
Action Also
Feel the suffering & injustices
and be touched by it,
then do something positive
for someone other than yourself
"COMPASSION is a feeling that spurs
us to Action." Jim Branch, p.377
<>
COMPASSION
is the catalyst for racial & all justice
NOT WAR
Not creating a reason to go to war but rather 
find a solution to end all wars and seek
PEACE
HIS NAME
JESUS CHRIST
(the essence of COMPASSION comes from Him)
Embrace Him
and
Wrap yourself with all of Him, starting today with
COMPASSION
<>
Perhaps this Conversation might enlighten youand give you the encouragement & hopethat I found in this 2025learning how toTRUST
<>
In between the last post and this blog post
I should have written one on
"TRUST TOGETHER"
I began and had one in draft but never completed it to publish.
However, I do believe that WE, can work TOGETHER
to build TRUST and COMPASSION shown
is a really good place to start.
TRUST
TOGETHER
means relying on each other,
and each other's honesty, commitment, and reliability.
This builds a strong, unified bond.
This is what America needs.
Please Pray for US
🙏
AMERICA
is from North to Central to South
one hemisphere
TOGETHER
<>
Help one another and
STAND TOGETHER
(one example only that I had in the draft)
and
PEW RESEARCH
shows decline (May, 2025) from 46% (1972) to 34%
{sadly I think it's even lower right now}
"American's TRUST in One Another"
[an incredibly interesting detailed study]
{my way of book marking to refer back to this}

TRUST through ...

tears, trials, troubles; tomorrows
whatever you may face
We need to
TRUST
God
<>
If you recall
I took a quiz at the beginning of 2025and this was my result

so as 2025 was catapulting ahead

through so much

I hoped I might get to this

One Word in the

before TRUST would

take me beyond my human limits

so I would hold on closely to my

TRUST in GOD

who's never failed me

when I arrived at that final testing of

the last breath of my spouse

and would I be able to

TRUST GOD

with the endless prayers

I have prayed for him to receive & know

Jesus, as the Son of God & his personal 

need of Jesus as Savior.

I'd love to write that wonderful 

testimony of salvation glory

but I don't & won't know

this side of eternity.

BUT God ...

He knows, He knew and He heard

every prayer I uttered and so,

I've come to that place of

TRUST

with peace and comfort

that it was never in my hands or words prayed

but always in God's hands & will, just as

John 3:16

declares

{oh, & by the way, the week prior to his death,

our daughter read him that exact verse and

she believes he's in heaven;

he died at 3:16 pm}

<>

Since the beginning of 2025 & half of last year

I & another were his caregivers as he

went from hospital home care to hospice 

to palliative care and back to hospital 

to a veteran placement in a home

over Labor Day weekend;

just like in 2018

when this decline started with a stroke,

sent home on hospice to die & he

recovered in 3 months.

We decided that

we had to get him home again,

which we did that Tuesday.

So he was there until Saturday ... 3:16

<>

At the start of 2025, after

TRUST

became my One Word

I began a OBS & reading of Lysa's

"I Want to Trust You ..."

but I never finished with the group

so as this week came 

and this One Word was finally the Word

after 

Tears, Fears, Questions,

Gathering, Broken,

Moving through Suffering 

as weekly One Words

I was determined to go back to this 

TRUST 

Journey book

along with the main book & study guide

to see if I could get further this time 

or better yet finish

but

I haven't 

{at the time of writing this blog,

I just finished the chapter where I left off}

So the one that I'm beginning now is

"And I Didn't Want to Be Alone"

and I'm stuck here

even though

I'm not Alone

God is with me & He has been each day

closer & closer

I'm tempted to skip ahead

{and I just might because just look at the

titles of these chapters that follow}

"How Can I Trust God When I Don’t Understand What He Allows?" "How Can I Trust God When the Person Who Hurt Me Got Away with It?" "What We Don’t Trust We Will Try to Control"

and there's a couple more including 
the final one with where I really would love to be
"The Secret to Really Healing"
{yes, I am one of those kind of readers;that love to skip to the finish & read}
but, in this case, as in most,it's the process & workingTHROUGH it
that completes this journey in
TRUST
or at least builds one lesson upon the next
one healing to the next
one step to the next
UNTIL ...
<>
When I began this blog post and perhapseven this journey, I never plannedon any of what I shared above
nor did I have more to add from ourScriptures or Reflection Readings(all good & beneficial)
I just keep thinking(which causes me to do searches)why I am not crying in my grief?{still so fresh}I came across various responses, articles and other blogs {even a really wonderful one youcantrusthim.com}that I thought I'd be sharing.
However,it's what AI gave methat I'd like to end with because it surprised me:

"Trusting through tears often involves relying on faith and hope during difficult times, recognizing that pain can lead to growth and deeper understanding. Many find comfort in spiritual beliefs, knowing that their struggles are seen and understood by a higher power. Understanding Trust Through Tears The Nature of Grief Grief often brings deep emotional pain, leading to tears. This response is natural and signifies the heart's struggle with loss. In times of sorrow, trusting in a higher power can provide comfort and hope. Many find solace in the belief that God is aware of every tear shed, as expressed in various spiritual teachings. The Role of Faith Faith can be a source of strength during difficult times. It encourages individuals to trust that their pain has purpose. Many believe that God keeps a record of their tears, symbolizing His intimate awareness of their suffering. This belief can help individuals feel less alone in their grief. Moving Forward Navigating through grief involves acknowledging emotions and allowing oneself to heal. Trusting in God’s promises can provide a pathway to peace. Many find that, over time, their sorrow can transform into hope, leading to renewed relationships and personal growth. Practical Steps to Trust Acknowledge Your Feelings: Allow yourself to feel and express your emotions. Seek Support: Connect with others who understand your pain. Engage in Prayer or Meditation: This can help foster a sense of peace and connection. Reflect on Positive Memories: Remembering joyful moments can aid in healing. Trusting through tears is a journey that many undertake, finding strength in faith and community as they navigate their grief."

*I realize this does not actually answer why I am not crying; but I got some answers elsewhere like I thought: numbness; in shock; delayed or anticipatory grief (having grieved throughout the losses); fear (that I won't stop - it'll be too intense or I'll lose control)& complicated relationship.

ADDED NOTE: After publishing (of course) I found some more at Grief Healing (like last week) and also a YV grief.bites plan "When Grief & Loss Become a Spiritual Battlefield", which reminded me of some very good truths and the enemy's playbook of moves to get us when we're down ... I'm not looking for something to justify "no tears", I'm really hoping that with all that's been going on that I am not growing cold, becoming less compassionate & feeling for others and have somehow held back for some unconscious reason from my past reactions & fears. I knew that this end was coming just not when and in many ways, I've been preparing too in these last 7 years. I know that God will (and has frequently) turned my story around for the good. I have re-watched what I spoke impromptu at the Fort Snelling honor service and in my demeanor, I still saw love & compassion. The enemy cannot steal that too from me, I won't let myself be robbed any further in my life. I won't act as if I don't care just because others may be glad it's over (that's a long 'battle' story) yet even that will strengthen me & continue to open doors. My life would have missed out on so many good people, if God was not for me or in this with me to see me through (almost 50 years of marriage) and 55 years of knowing each other. It's complicated - so unless you know me, and know him; you probably will not understand. Yet tears are not the only indicators of grief. I know I can TRUST God with all of this - that's what matters. I have learned many lessons on getting through & although I did not share images this week, photography & music are my soothing care & love from my precious Bella, as if she knows how I'm feeling & when I need her unconditional love.

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The songs that have helped me get through this week; & almost 2 months already {in addition to the Playlist of songs by Lysa TerKeurst in her "Trust Journey" book} but not 2 of these 3:

💙"Do I Trust You, Lord?" Twila Paris

💚💙"Trust in You" Lauren Daigle

and The Blue Book's "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" ... 

--- playing on repeat in my head & heart. Music always helps on our journey; nature walks in the autumn warm colors; and memories in photos.

This weekend of All Saint's Day & All Soul's Day; both days are Mexico's Dia de los Muertos; which brings me way back (1990) to another loved ones' early death at 30, when I cried & cried long afterwards & often, I could not cope & I miss my youngest brother, Gary, so much; like it was just yesterday and yet a lifetime ago; after my mother(1986), then father (1998), then most recently our older brother (2023). With all the practice of lament for so many losses in our family of aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, I should really be a pro at Grief Share & this death process, but this one, indeed is different - up close, personal & so much to take care of ... but still time to rest, read & recover. 

I thank you all for your love, comfort, support & prayers. I believe those are what hold me together & give me the strength to face each tomorrow. 

Healing will come and my TRUST Journey will continue - if not this side of eternity, the other. WHOLENESS is our next step ... bound for HOME

TEARS to TRUST

[my photo]

I have waited and waited
this week
hoping that I might have a moving blog post about
TEARS
... but nothing came ...
not even the outpouring of my own floodgate of
TEARS
It's not because the readings for reflection
were not inspiring or wonderful
because each of them are
I guess that I thought
somehow
miraculously
I might have the right words to share
or a special revelation from God
I even prepared this image

The Daily Scripture Readings

...John 11:17-44; Matthew 23:37-39; Matthew 26:36-46; Hebrews 5:7-10; Luke 7:36-50; 2 Kings 20:1-6; Psalm 56

Beautiful passages in Scripture, yet even with the moving portrayal of our Lord Jesus, in John 11:35, I had no TEARS as I read and reflected not even while reading the beautiful Reflections or the tender lyrics of a special song shared "TEARS are a Language God Understands"💚 I still had not allowed the healing flow of TEARS to dampen my eyes and lament the loss or many losses throughout the years. Perhaps, the many times I cried throughout those years were the TEARS for now that fail to come. Perhaps, it's because I've hardened or am still too numb. All I know is that God's perfect timing of each of these One Word focuses were to give me the strength that He knew I did not have on my own. I even searched places (like The Daily Grace I recently shared) for TEARS and there were plenty - I still have not finished. 

I do believe that TEARS are a gift of Grace from God. Psalm 56:8 tells us that "TEARS are prayers, too. They travel to God when we cannot speak." For this I've been thankful on so many occasions, and I am quite the emotional person, but I've always had struggles with grief. I even read a beautiful blog post by Lisa Appelo, and I agree with every word & way because I know that TEARS bring healing. Even if you don't need healing, you should read this and more available from her. {another new place for me} I know eventually they will come - at unexpected times and places. I even reread some Comfort books I have, but no tears. As much as all the Reflection Readings & Scriptures were wonderful, I guess this is the one I need most:

"Help me O God, Give me the courage to cry. Help me to understand that tears bring      freshly washed colors arching across the soul,      colors that wouldn’t be there apart from the rain. Help me to see in the prism of my tears,      something of the secret of who I am. Give me the courage      not only to see what those tears are revealing      but to follow where they are leading. And help me to see      that where they are leading me is home. (Windows of the Soul by Ken Gire)

[my own photos]

It's said that a 

"picture is worth a thousand words"

So

now I have expressed in 3000 words 

(not including the TEARS image) 

what I am unable to do or write

I

🙏

for Godly courage, comfort & strength

in the days ahead

I

found in the past that gathering photos

also bring healing

{So far, in this case, they have not, but I keep gathering}

I

love the image painted in Ken Gire's words:

"... TEARS bring

     freshly washed colors arching across the soul,

     colors that wouldn’t be there apart from the rain.

Help me to see in the prism of my tears ..."

and of course, I love 

"where they (the TEARS) are leading me is

HOME"

I

still live in my beautiful 7 acres of paradise

here in my earthly

HOME

I look forward 

to the years I am given here

but even more to the years

in my eternal

HOME

[my photo]

If this week, you shed TEARS, I 🙏
 that our precious Lord

held you closely

because

I know He gathers all those

TEARS

in a bottle and 

He weeps along with us

<>

I recommend strongly

GRIEF SHARE

{I shared much from this decades ago}

in the past, receiving their 

daily encouragement newsletter

was wonderful & they have so much more

resources now & groups

online & in-person

<>

My concern for my 

NO TEARS

even had me searching for what

this means

- yeah, emotional numbness -

Grief Healing

is helpful

then I came upon this, oddly 

TEARS for fears

{the flowers reminded me of a beautiful bouquet I recently received}

Warning: NOT AT ALL RELATED TO OUR TOPIC OF
TEARS
💦
just a diversion of fascinating scenes & music?
This one is much more soothing & reassuring

IN HIS TIME
so
I will TRUST Him
Oh, and that's the next One Word focus on Monday:

• Trust 1 (Tuesday in book)

• Trust 2 (Thursday in book)

• Trust 3 (Sunday in book)
• Trust 4 (Monday in book)
• Trust 5 (not in book)
• Trust 6 (not in book)
• Trust 7 (not in book)
• <>
• Once again these may not be the same as or the same order as
• The Blue Book, but they are from Jim Branch
• LET'S HOPE and TRUST
• that they are, or just go with the book😉
• [the part in ( ) is after I checked each one]
• We are missing Psalm 20:1-9 (Weds)
• Job 42:1-6 (Fri) & Luke 22:31-38 (Sat.)
• but have been given these extra Scripture Readings:
• Psalm 125:1-5; Philippians 4:4-9; Matthew 6:25-34
• and some different Readings for Reflection

O

And I expect that one day

WHOLENESS

and

HEALING

will come

- that's when we will be -

HOME