Empathy is the
ability to stand in the shoes of others, to be fully aware of their situations
while being absolutely sensitive to their emotions and needs, to proactively
demonstrate sincere and selfless compassion.
In February 2012,
Cory Weissman led the men’s basketball team of Gettysburg College onto the
court for the last game of the season. Four years earlier he suffered a
stroke that left him paralyzed on one side.
After years of rehab he was able to walk with a limp, but was still
physically incapable of competitive play. Before his stroke he had been a
member of the team and the coach wanted to give him a few seconds on the court in
his senior year. So Cory was nominated captain and led out the starting
five for what would be his last game at Gettysburg.
Aware of his
physical challenges and struggles, the crowd and the players from both teams
greeted Cory with wild applause. The Gettysburg coach gave him a few
minutes on the court before benching him.
With one minute to
go, Gettysburg was well ahead so the coach sent Cory back onto the court.
The Washington College coach then called time out and instructed
his players to foul Cory Weissman. For those who don’t know basketball,
this was a generous act because it meant Cory would be given two free shots at
the basket.
Cory took his place
at the line, felt the weight of the ball in his hands, lifted it, shot, but
missed badly. He had a second shot left. Again he felt the weight
of the ball in his hands, lifted it and shot. This time the ball flew
straight through the hoop, and the crowd broke out in thunderous applause.
David Wright,
Gettysburg’s vice president for athletics, wrote a letter to the Washington
College president: “Your coach, Rob Nugent, along with his staff and
student-athletes, displayed a measure of compassion that I have never witnessed
in over 30 years of involvement in intercollegiate athletics. Thank you.”
Sometimes we simply
fail to ‘see’ others. Somehow it’s easier to adopt a DEFICIT MODEL which allows us to
magnify the flaws and failures of our fellows. However, no one should be
defined by his/her ‘life-limp’ or challenges. Centuries ago, the abundant
grace and mercy of Jesus Christ mobilized an atoning intervention that
(thankfully) looked beyond human fault and addressed our salvation need.
His life was compassion personified. His story is unconditional and
unlimited love. Today, we strive to emulate the character of our living
Lord, which can be summed up in one word: AGAPE, which is sacrificial love.
Are you ready and
willing to display the compassion of CHRIST in your family and community?
Sisters and
brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE
READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!
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