I’ve often wondered, in a real spiritual sense, what it would take to heal the many broken communities across this country. These communities are wastelands of enormous potential. When I search my soul, a word constantly resonates deeply and strongly. The word is “compassion, compassion!” Webster defines compassion as a sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it. In my life, I have had many examples of this consciousness. Most of them have been strong women throughout history, some known to the world, some known to a few, but all driven by the same desire to alleviate suffering, for example Dorothy Height, Shirley Chisholm, and Maxine Waters. Many have experienced this compassion closer to home, from grandmothers, mothers, and aunts. Sometimes there have been other women in the community whose impact has left far-reaching effects. I was fortunate to witness a firsthand account of this compassion as my grandmother cared for my bedridden grandfather until his passing. This experience and others have cultivated my compassion. In return it allowed me to be a caretaker for my mother years later until her passing. Compassion can sometimes show itself in many ways: healing the sick, feeding the poor, or just a kind gesture that leads to an uplifting of broken spirits. One person in particular known for her compassion is Joy Sidney, small in stature, but has a big heart. I have been blessed to know and work with her on several community projects such as the school backpack drive, which she started a few years ago. I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Joy and this is what she had to say:
Q. Joy, tell us a little something about you?
A. A little something about me, I have been gifted with an opportunity to help our community children.
Q. What is it that makes you feel so much love in your heart for people?
A. Divine goodness. I can’t take credit.
Q. What was your inspiration for the backpack drive?
A. The children, along with the diligence of United Stylist (US) Community Support, inspires the school supply drive.
Q. What is the single greatest reward you have received from such a community contribution?
A. The smiles on the faces of children, parents, and volunteers.
Q. Where do you see the love that you have for the community taking you in the future?
A. Last year, we were recognized as one of the largest drives in the Tennessee Valley. We must go into the community and physically work to make a difference.
Q. How do we contact you if we want to volunteer?
A. To volunteer with the "Got Your Backpack and School Supplies" School Supply Drive, email us at jsidne256@aol.com or call 256.513.3634.
We don’t have to be superheroes to confront pain and suffering. All we have to do is feel love for each other, and compassion is the trigger mechanism. It allows us to connect to humanity and to feel a deeper sense of responsibility for the things that are happening around us. Responsibility in turn breeds purpose, and purpose creates opportunity. Opportunity gives us the chance to release our full potential as “Human Beings.” We begin to feel more connected to people and life is made fuller when we experience it at this level.
“ Pouring compassion is water on dry dirt—something’s got to Grow!”– Dwight Pope
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