Creating a Legacy of Compassion - Lessons from Ruth and Women's Month
Embracing compassion in Women's Month
As we celebrate Women’s Month in South Africa, let us remember the valuable lessons from the biblical story of Ruth. Let us strive to be women (and men) of compassion, who walk alongside those who are suffering and actively work towards creating a more just and equal society. By showing empathy, understanding, and taking action, we can build a legacy of compassion that will have a lasting impact for generations to come.
Ruth's compassion – a beacon of hope
Ruth, as a Moabite woman, faced many difficult circumstances throughout her life. Ruth showed immense compassion by choosing to walk alongside Naomi in her grief and supporting her during her darkest moments. Compassion is defined by understanding and empathising with someone's suffering.
Women's Month - a time to acknowledge hardships
Similarly, Women's Month in South Africa serves as a platform to acknowledge the hardships that countless women in the country go through. These difficulties comprise matters like poverty, domestic violence, and discrimination based on gender. By empathising and imagining ourselves in the circumstances of these women, we can initiate an understanding of the obstacles they confront each day.
Actionable compassion - lessons from Ruth
Compassion is not just a superficial act; it comes from the heart and requires action. In the book of Ruth, we see Ruth taking action to support her mother-in-law by providing for their needs through her hard work and choosing to remain with them. This demonstrates the importance of actively helping those in need, without seeking personal recognition or glory.
To create a legacy of compassion, we should strive to emulate the example set by Ruth. This means making a conscious decision to be compassionate and taking meaningful action to alleviate the suffering of others. It is important to remember that compassion is not always easy, as it may require us to step outside of our comfort zones or confront uncomfortable truths. However, it is through these acts of compassion that we can make a real difference in the lives of others.