Walk in grace and live in compassion

Toward the end of 2016, there were many individuals in my social world that were very disgruntled with the entire year. Several expressed feelings of disappointment in the unfortunate death so many famous people they've grown to admire over the years. Others, regardless of political party association, vocalized their sense of frustration about the lack of civility they bore witness to as the various local, state, and national elections unfolded. Some also shared personal sentiments about the various injustices that extend across the globe, the unexpected loss of loved ones, the concern for the future of our youth in what they perceive as an unsafe world, and a general fear of the unknown.

I consider myself to be a pretty optimistic person. I enjoy supporting others through life's many obstacles. However, I can also say that 2016 was a bit challenging for me as well, not for the reasons listed above but because I witnessed so many people I know, love, and care about express a strong sense of hopelessness. What hurt the most is knowing that there was nothing I could to help or ease their concerns because they were about 'big, hairy issues” that will not easily be resolved.

How does one comfort a person who believes they are living in an unsafe world? How does one give another person the tools to tackle global injustices? Maybe micro injustices within their sphere of influence, but global injustices? Now that's a truly big, hairy issue. As a result, I ended 2016 with more questions than answers.

And so I resolve to use those questions to guide my daily walk from 2017 and beyond. I resolve that in 2017 and going forward, I will strive each day to live a life of compassion and grant others the gift of grace. I hope that others continue to feel a level of comfort to continue to share their stories because I am committed to listening with an compassionate ear. I also will strive to walk in grace and without judgment during my daily interactions. Even when others have a bad day, I will strive to treat them with civility and help them to maintain their human dignity.

To sum it up, my goal is to grow in a way that allows me to walk in peace, light, and hope through the various life situations that will arise in 2017 and beyond.

' LaSheila Yates is executive director of the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission. More information: www.cedar-rapids.org/civilrights