In our lives, it is not an easy thing to let go. Many of us are very compassionate towards others. We try to help those who are in need and who are not at a place where they can help themselves. Some times, it is because of depression, severe anxiety, physical illness or limitations; and some times, it’s because of losing a job, having little money, and having few resources. Bad things happen to good people. People die and leave behind those who need care. Others have no family to rely on when difficult times hit. People suffer from abuse and neglect and need help because those who should help don’t, and because other factors prevent them from doing so. Decent people help others. When societies fail to care for their young, the old, the sick, the disabled, and those without financial resources, history reminds us that those societies fall and crumble. This lack of caring is seen as a moral decay within.

We give help to people in need, because we know that could easily be us needing help. We also give when we are sensitive to the needs of others and their feelings. We want to help them out of despair. We give because the Bible teaches us to do so in order to “love others as we love ourselves.” Some times we give help because the Spirit of God, which is love, pours forth from us to others with joy.

As a parent, we learn to help our children when they are not able to do things for themselves. We are also wise enough and love our children enough to know, we won’t be around forever. We know they must be taught skills, so they can care for themselves, if needed. We learn to let go a little at a time, because of our love for them. Most of the time, we are aware it is for a greater good.

As an adult, we form relationships with others. We stay in relationships because of love, convenience, or our values.  There are times when we have to stop helping others and encourage them to learn skills in order to become more self-sufficient. We give encouragement and knowledge to help them grow in ways that ultimately will benefit them. We feel positive and compassionate when we do so. Trouble often occurs when we won’t let go when it is wise to do so; when we feel negative emotions within us when we do help; and when others break our boundaries, abuse us, use us, and refuse to do what they need to do to grow. In those instances, we wisely learn to let go.

Yu/stan/kema