Here are some things that might break your heart:
Violence
Silence
Fear
Predatory behavior
Self-loathing
Oppression
Hunger
Deprivation
Intolerance
Disease
Judgment
Dishonor
Neglect
Rejection
Selfishness
Injustice
Addiction
Greed
Waste
Should I keep going? I don’t think you need me to. I don’t want to, either. If we chose to see it this way, this is what the world would look like. A broken heart is a common response to living in this kind of world. But broken hearts aren’t enough. They won’t stop injustice. Tears aren’t going to wash away evil. Hurting doesn’t relieve another’s pain.
But it’s a damned good place to begin.
Is your heart a little broken by what you see around you? Good. It should be. A broken heart can be one of the best things to happen to you. Sometimes it’s the only way to make something clear. If you can’t hurt over it, how are you ever going to care enough to do something about it? I like to think you can build your heart like you build your biceps. Lift heavy objects until the muscle tears. Feed the body while it rebuilds and grows stronger. Yes, it’s going to hurt. But how else will you gain the strength to move the mountains you’ll encounter?
A broken heart is a blessing.
A calloused heart is a curse.
Hard times beg for soft hearts.
Hopefully we’re listening.
