“This capacity for empathy leads to a genuine encounter – we have to progress toward this culture of encounter – in which heart speaks to heart.” Pope Francis
You know that feeling? The one where you’re hanging on by a thread? Then someone is kind, and all of a sudden, you’re scrambling for the tissues? That’s the kind of day that prompted this post.
I’m getting ahead of myself though; let me back up. I’ve always known I loved to write, but I didn’t know just how much I loved it until I started blogging. It’s more than the writing though. It’s the shared vulnerability. It’s “growing through” life changes with others cheering you on. It’s doing the same for them. It’s idea sparking off of idea. In other words, it’s a rich and rewarding experience all the way around.
This being the case, I was delighted when two of my favorite writers, Wynne and Vicki, asked if I’d be interested in contributing to a shared blog. Feeling rather like I’d been asked to work alongside James Patterson and Steven King, I excitedly accepted. I was already familiar with some of the players, and quickly learned to appreciate the ones I hadn’t been familiar with. So, being a part of HoTM made the blogging experience even more wonderful.
Now back to the day in question – the one involving tissues. I was sitting at my desk, when I become aware of a personal situation that needed attending to. It came out of left field, but it wasn’t something that could be ignored. I knew right away that all of my efforts would be diverted, and blogging would be off of the table for a while. This was difficult enough to accept in terms of my personal blog. But worse, I’d committed to being a part of HoTM… and I take commitments seriously.
So I was sitting there with a pit in my stomach, knowing I needed to renege on a commitment. I also knew, however, that I owed Vicki and Wynne the courtesy of communicating the situation without delay. So, I shed some “feeling sorry for myself” tears, then sent an email off to them.
When I received their responses, I realized the post I’d originally planned for today – one talking about the power of empathy from an academic perspective – was out of the question. Not when I’d just experienced empathy in its truest form. They’d taken the definition of empathy – affinity with, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, and the action of understanding, being aware of, or being sensitive – right out of the dictionary, and put it into living color.
There were no comments about how I was bailing out on the team, when the blog was just getting off of the ground. There were no comments about the amount of time spent to gather contributors, and add our information to the site. There was no mention of time that had been spent – only a couple of days prior! – setting up a podcasting session.
The only things expressed were concern over my wellbeing, and assurances that I was loved and supported. Not just as a blogger, but as a person. And what came through most loudly? Empathy.
And so, while I’m sad to say farewell, at least for now, it seemed appropriate to do so by sharing this story. Particularly considering the dream Wynne and Vicki had when creating this space, and considering that empathy is one of the things that matters the most.
In the words of Pope Francis, Wynne and Vicki have displayed a huge capacity for empathy. And creating a culture where genuine encounters are cultivated? Where heart speaks to heart? Well, that’s precisely what takes place here on HoTM.
To all of you, I want to say thank you. For welcoming me into your WordPress family. For loving on me, and for the many kindnesses shown. I’ll miss you, but I hope to be back in the saddle before too long. In the meantime, I’ll stop by when I can, just to “hear” the sound of hearts speaking one to another.
❤️, Kendra
For more posts about God and life, you can find my blog page here. I can also be found on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.
Featured image by Pexels
The Heart of the Matter 
A lovely encounter — good souls on all sides.
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Thank you to another good soul, Dr. Stein. I very much appreciate you. 🤍
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Kendra, Kendra, Kendra — your capacity for caring is one of the things I admire most about you. As you take a hiatus, we send love, hugs and strength…you’ve become family and I love you to bits. The beautiful kindnesses you see in us? We see all the same in you. 💓💓💓
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You’re a gem, Vicki, and I’m sending love and hugs back in spades. Thank you for being you! 🤗❤️
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Got it! Take care of you, you, you! 💓💓💓
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💗
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Love right back to you, LA! 💖
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This is beautiful, Kendra. ❤️ I quickly came to realize that HoTM is more than just a collection of contributors. As Vicki says, it’s a family–with all the love and support that comes with it. Take care of yourself! 🤗🤗 It’s will be such a joy to see you pop up in the comments every once in awhile, if you’re able. 💓💓💓
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Thanks so much, Erin! It really is a family, isn’t it? It’s just lovely. And you take care of yourself too, friend!! ❤️❤️
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Wow, wow, wow, Kendra! You know that sentiment that what you get is directly related to what you put out into the universe? Well, my dear friend, this lovely, beautifully-written, deep post is full of what you give – your intention to be present for a personal situation, the gratitude for all those around, the warmth and caring for others, and your wisdom and ability to see it all.
So grateful for you and your kind words – but really, it’s just a reflection of who you are that we are so delighted to get to see! Sending love and blessings as you attend to what’s really important – and looking forward to when you’ll return!
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Now you’ve done it – you’ve started the waterworks to flowing again! 🙂 Thank you from the bottom of my heart (annddd… now I’ve gone from crying to laughing, because as I write that, I’m thinking of your post today, and realizing I might not be using the best choice of words). Might be a tad emotional over here. 😀 Truly though, so thankful for you, Wynne! Much love and appreciation is generating from my heart! ❤️❤️
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Ha, ha, ha! Kendra, when you come back, we’ll still be here laughing about the same old sh!t. 🙂 Sending much love and gratitude to you!!
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Take care Kendra
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Thank you, Brenda! 🤗🤗
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I think what matters is knowing when YOU personally matter more than everything going on around you and are wise enough to step away as needed. Take care Kendra, and I hope that you are able to return to us before too long. My best, Deb.
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Thank you very much, Deb! That means a lot to me. I feel like I’m putting more on everyone else, so I’m doubly appreciative for your kind words. And I hope to be back soon too. Thanks again!! ❤️
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Nice
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Thanks so much! 😊😊
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Wlcme but please follow me and introduce me to others
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Beautiful post Kendra. Take care of yourself. We’re all fine. Can’t wait to read more of your writing . . . when you’re ready. Hang in there and know that we’re all rooting for you.
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This is THE most supportive group, and I’m truly appreciative, Brian. All of the kind words mean the world to me! Thank you, thank you!!
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Godspeed in what’s next for you Kendra. Off you go in a cloud of love dust from all who wish the best for you. 🙏💕
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What a lovely way you have with words, Julia! I do, in fact, believe I’ve felt love dust swirling around me. ☺️ And I’m so grateful for your kind words and well wishes. ❤️
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