A Sense of Sensitivity

A Sense of Sensitivity

 

            I have been called sensitive multiple times in my life. Whether it was cause I "couldn't take a joke" or because I got sad about what seemed like nothing to others. Some people today would probably chalk this behavior up to the generation I am a part of. The millennial generation is often accused of being easily offended, labeled "sensitive snowflakes" or generally looked at as having too many "things" to complain about. A lot of times when I log onto any social media platform I see examples of people's outcries of injustice and anger. And underneath these various posts, you will find a lot of comments saying they're misinformed, overly sensitive and just looking for something to be angry about. This day and age, it's hard for anyone talking about anything to look like something more than an angry over sensitive person, sitting behind a screen and writing about the wrongs of the world for everyone to see. And since this is usually how we perceive any lengthy Facebook post these days, I'm sure there's been plenty of times in my mind and in others where we wished people would stop being hurt about everything and stop complaining about it where we can see it!

            I started off by saying that I have been accused of being sensitive. I will admit there are times when I know someone isn't trying to hurt me, but somewhere in my mind it got mixed up and I got hurt. However, I wouldn't take away the "sensitive" part of me. I think the better word for how I typically feel would be empathy. When I see others hurting, or when I see the world angry and in pain, or even people close to me having a hard time, my heart hurts for them. I get sad, upset and want to speak out for this pain that is happening around me. I think most people are the same today. We are in the middle of a lot of turmoil worldwide. There are wars and rumors of war, fights for freedom and equality, and even natural disasters everywhere we turn. It's hard not to feel like something going on in the world doesn't affect you directly. But beyond that, it IS affecting someone in the world. I believe empathy for other's suffering is important for us to have, especially Christians. Romans 12:15 says to "[r]ejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." This is important both in and out of the church community. People are suffering, we need to be available for people to bring their suffering to us. Being able to hear and accept other's pain will make the world seem less cruel and more supportive. Lots of people have empathy in them and want to stand up for those that are put down. However, that empathy is lost and confused with anger and hurt feelings when people take to the internet. They take the feelings of others and mix in their own feelings to the situation, to create a reaction that demands others take notice and feel the same way. Here is the thing to remember, empathy is wonderful, but it's not about you! Speak out for those hurting, without mixing in your own hurt. Let their struggles be heard, so more conversations can be had and action can take place. Be a platform for conversation, not the person at the podium. This won't fix the next time someone hurts your feelings, but it will help you support others in their pain.