Nov 17th: Extraordinary Empathy, with Becca Ellis.
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Finding Hope in the Small Things
Life can feel unbearably heavy sometimes. Maybe you’re carrying the weight of the world—wars, disasters, injustice—or maybe it’s something closer to home: a loved one’s diagnosis, a broken relationship, financial uncertainty, or a deep sense of loneliness. Whatever it is, we all carry so much, often more than we think we can bear.
To be human is to carry and to be carried. We start life being literally held—first in the womb and then in the arms of those who care for us. As we grow, we begin to carry others, helping where we can, holding space for love and pain alike. Research even tells us that helping others is good for us. But what about when the weight of life feels so heavy that there’s simply nothing left to give?
When Our Empathy Runs Dry
Lately, I’ve been hearing more about “compassion fatigue” or “empathy fatigue.” This term is often used to describe professionals—caregivers, therapists, doctors—who become so overwhelmed by the stress and trauma of others that they begin to feel numb. But as I’ve reflected on this idea, I wonder: What about the rest of us?
What do we do when our own empathy seems to run out? When we find ourselves numb, cut off, and unable to see the humanity in others?
We’ve all seen it: divisive social media posts, hateful comments, calls to cut people out of our lives over a difference of opinion. The temptation to “other” those who think or live differently feels stronger than ever. But I can’t help but wonder: How will the world ever heal if we can’t even look one another in the eyes and see the belovedness in each other?
The Healing Power of Extraordinary Empathy
If there’s one thing we can learn from the life of Jesus, it’s the way he walked through the world with extraordinary empathy. In Matthew 9:36, Jesus looks out at a crowd and is “moved with compassion.” The Greek word used here describes a stirring deep within—a visceral, heart-wrenching response to the suffering of others.
This isn’t just sympathy or pity; it’s something deeper. It’s the kind of love that shows up, sits with us in the messiness of life, and refuses to leave. The Hebrew Scriptures use a similar word, racham, which shares a root with the word for “womb.” It evokes the fierce, protective, unconditional love of a mother—a love that does not grow tired or give up.
This is the love that God has for us. It’s also the love we are called to embody in the world.
The Challenge of Loving in a Broken World
Of course, showing up with this kind of love is easier said than done. How do we keep leaning into love and hope when the world feels so broken? When the news is overwhelming, and our own lives feel stretched thin?
Physician Gabor Maté offers a helpful perspective: the problem isn’t that we’ve lost the ability to care for others. It’s that we often fail to extend that same care to ourselves. Without self-compassion—without boundaries, rest, and moments to be carried—we burn out.
Even Jesus rested. He withdrew to pray, found solitude, and leaned on his closest friends. Maybe this is how he resisted despair and kept showing up in a world filled with suffering.
Micro-Dosing Hope
When the weight of the world feels unbearable, we don’t need to fix everything all at once. Instead, we can start small.
Author Brené Brown calls this “micro-dosing hope.” Hope isn’t just an emotion; it’s a practice. It’s about setting small, achievable goals and reminding ourselves that change—even tiny change—is possible.
When you feel despair creeping in, ask yourself: What is one small thing I can do to bring a little more light into the world? Maybe it’s offering a kind word, turning off the news to reconnect with nature, or helping someone in need.
Cleo Wade puts it simply: “One way to keep your heart together when the state of the world weighs heavy is to help somebody—even if it’s just one person.”
A Blessing for the Journey
As we navigate the heaviness of life, may we remember that we are not alone. We are carried by a God whose love is fierce and unrelenting—a love that meets us exactly where we are, no matter how broken or weary we feel.
I’ll leave you with these words from Elizabeth Lesser’s Broken Open:
“May you listen to the voice within, even when you are tired. When you feel yourself breaking down, may you break open instead. May every experience in life be a door that opens your heart, expands your understanding, and leads you to freedom.”
The world is aching, but every small act of love, every micro-dose of hope, can bring healing. May you find those small reminders of hope around you. And may you be a healing presence in the world.
Amen.
If this post spoke to you, consider reaching out, sharing your story, or simply taking a moment to care for yourself today. You are not alone. We’re here, and God’s love surrounds you.
With grace and peace,
Becca
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