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The people of the Crossroads area have always felt compassion for those in trouble, and thereby they worked to effect positive change for those suffering.
Now, millions of people are in trouble — our geographical neighbors. We are referring to those unfortunate souls in Galveston and Houston, those who have lost all of their belongings or who have been sorely hurt by the loss of electricity and physical plants because of Hurricane Ike.
Suffering in our region can be eased. Open up your homes and pocketbooks to those Ike victims and the relief efforts.
In schools, one book titled, “To Love Tenderly: Introducing Children to Acts of Compassion and Justice,” by Anne Neuberger, attempts to teach children in kindergarten through the 4th grade by using 32 real episodes from around the world. This way, children can identify with other children the same age and understand their suffering.
However, according to Education Week online, compassion is not taught enough in our schools.
“Our democratic way of life depends on the willingness of large numbers of individuals to behave according to high ethical and moral standards,” said Bill Honig, California’s superintendent of public instruction.
And Education Week online reported that former Secretary of Education Terrel Bell said, “…there are many virtues that Americans agree that are important, such as honesty, compassion, and tolerance.”
With so many victims of Hurricane Ike, the compassion young people can learn now in a real way will beat any textbook in the classroom.
Nothing can match the reciprocal look of a thankful person or group in need. The opportunity to teach compassion to our young people has never been greater. Let’s get them involved, and let’s get involved to serve as role models.
Help groups in action now. Seek them out and volunteer. Learn compassion.