Walk with me for a while, my friend—you in my shoes, I in yours—and then let us talk.

You cannot fully understand a person's need until you have endured the same need. As hard as you may try to predict and comprehend their situation and suffering, I guarantee you'll fall short until you've been there.

It's frustrating when our best efforts to help people fail. But if we could see life through their weary eyes and experience their trials with the same frayed emotions, we might understand why.

A word of consolation
may sweetly touch the ear.
Now and then a quiet song
will clear the mind of fear.

A simple act of kindness
can ease a load of care.
Stories told in memory
diminish all despair.

A whispered prayer of comfort
draws angel arms around.
Counting blessings, great and small,
helps gratitude abound.

These acts, all sympathetic,
will kindly play their part.
But seldom do they dry the tears
shed mutely in the heart.

Why must you know the details of my troubles to have compassion? Is it not enough to show compassion simply because you know that everyone has troubles?

Compassion only plagues those with hearts, much like a field of thorns only troubles those who bleed.