What is better for our souls, country, and humankind: spreading criticism or compassion?  Which of these would God choose? We know the correct answer, as any first grader would, so why do some tend to cast blame on suffering? Do we need to go back to first grade?

I am beginning to hear accusations and mockery thrown at the remnants of communities destroyed by the California fires.  Yes, our insurance rates may increase, and perhaps more could have been done to insure the water supply, but in all catastrophes, something could have always been done better before they happened. Unfortunately, hindsight doesn’t douse raging fires nor provide needed comfort.

Now is the time for us to stand united and show support in times of crisis.  Let’s put an end to ridicule and complaint. As American citizens and human beings, let’s not throw blame and our self-righteousness on those who have lost everything. The only thing that needs to burn is often our attitudes.

My grandmother, aka Grandpa, taught me a valuable lesson many years ago. It was a Saturday morning in Crossville, Tennessee. Men gathered around the courthouse as if it were a weekend morning ritual to whittle, talk, and smoke pipes.

From the time I was a toddler, I loved watching them sit on the benches and ledges and blow light gray circles of smoke into the air. Most were farmers dressed in overalls and dusty boots. Yet, I just couldn’t understand why some seemed wobbly and disheveled.

“Grandpa, why is that man alone and dirty?”  I asked as I pointed to the fellow across from me.

“Honey, don’t point because it is rude,” she immediately said, pushing my hand to my side.  Unfortunately, I often point today, so perhaps she didn’t try hard enough to lower my hand.  Should I blame her instead of myself?

She continued, “Lynn, Jesus came to be a friend not only to us but also to those suffering and the forgotten. He lived as a poor man, but his spirit was so rich that he could heal the sorrow and wipe away tears. We are called to be like him—rich in spirit so that we can offer friendship to the needy, the lonely, and those who are in pain. Now, please go over to the wobbly man and give him this dollar.”

I took the dollar and walked over to the grateful man. I must have been around five years old, but to this day, because of Grandpa’s abundant kindness and compassion, I comprehend that God’s goodness thrives when we understand others.

Those who make jokes, politicize pain and ignore those who require our aid have lost more than their homes to fires, floods, or winds. They have lost the ability to care.

When we lose our kindness because caring could cost us money, we will ultimately have nothing.

The California fires result from a prolonged drought, the Santa Ana winds, and climate change conditions. The impact is pure tragedy. We have seen it before and will again, but the winds of change should rise in all of us. We must quit pointing fingers and instead use our hands to help.Isn’t that what the carpenter from Galilee would do?

For too long, much of America’s work hasn’t been accomplished in the political arena because our leaders are too busy with accusatory actions, retribution, and blaming others.  We should all be rather tired of such behavior in our lives. However, if we are so aligned with conservative or progressive thinking that we lose sight of our fellow citizens, we can’t expect our country to thrive or even survive. Let’s remember that our unity is more important than any political divide.

As I watch the flames roar, spread, and consume all in their path, I am reminded of how fragile our surroundings are. Rains can wash away all we have, and winds can toss what we own into the air. But if we are rich in spirit and have charitable hearts, we will see the grass grow green again above a scorched earth. This compassion and understanding will help us overcome even the most devastating of challenges.

“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”  – 1 John 3:17

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Lynn Gendusa is an author and columnist whose work appears weekly on NowHabersham.com and in newspapers in her home state of Georgia. She is regularly featured in the USA Today newspaper network, including The Tennessean. In addition, her stories appear in senior magazines across the U.S. and in Guideposts magazine. Lynn’s latest book is “Southern Comfort: Stories of Family, Friendship, Fiery Trials, and Faith.” She can be reached at www.lynngendusa.com.

For more of Lynn’s inspirational stories, click here.