My mom-by-marriage says, “to love is to suffer..”
And I agree. Wholeheartedly. 

I would even take that a step forward and say that [some] knowledge brings that same suffering. At least, the knowledge of evil. Of suffering and of hell on earth. 

I put up that facade where everything seems fine, even when I pass by the men and women on the streets - begging for a few dollars…a job…some dignity. Making up stories that often capture my heart…
Funny thing is, I make up stories too like..”Man…that’s all I have…”
But it’s not and I try confirming to myself, “Well, I have to eat too…” and feel terrible. This is a constant heaviness. 

This isn’t about that same conversation though; the “What do I do with homeless folks on the street?” That is for your own judgment and conviction. 

What I’m talking about is knowledge. 
The first time we understand what is good and what is bad. 
That, then, transforms into what is right and what is wrong. Next, enters conscious…then morality and possibly followed by religion. (Especially, if your religion IS your morality.) 

I say this as the result of many hard and exhausting conversations. What we learn in class, or documentaries or from our friends who live in poverty. We are pulled into their stories of suffering. 
As I drive down the streets lined with homes full of people and stories, I realize that they’re not all good. Many have seen great pain and have been a part of some great suffering. This sadness, is overwhelming to my heart. 

I learn more and more about the injustices done to women - torturing them with hot steel and acts upon acts of sexual abuse. 
I stare blankly at a wall and realize how heavy and sad it is…to have this knowledge. 

It is different [and both equally important] to learn about the human condition and social actions than from math equations and the history of the cotton gin. But we choose what we want to learn, and that comes with a great price. 
I wish to refrain from the overly quoted, “Ignorance is Bliss” - but when we chose to ignore, we walk away with a much less weighted conscious. I am guilty of this over and over again.

But, it’s not worth it. 
Sometimes, knowledge is justice. 

To know their stories…to know their suffering is liberation. It is having the cobwebs brushed away from our eyes. 
Afterwards, those new eyes fill with tears at the loss of innocence. In ways, for them and ourselves. 
Now, we move. We move into their stories and put ourselves in their place and speak up for them. We advocate. 
We cry ourselves into their unimaginable pain. 

Most of us will never know what it’s like to be a slave or to have someone control the joys and sufferings of your life…
This…is one of those, “If you ever met God, what would you ask?” sort of situations. Why they suffer and we don’t. 

And I think…this is where God would point to Jesus and say, “Because he lived the same story…”
Sometimes, I forget that what the word “compassion” entails. That of suffering with others and to suffer for others. 

I sit and think about Jesus. And the many ways we say his name and worship.
Jesus’ story ended in suffering [by death penalty] but it also brought about eternal reconciliation. 

And whether or not you believe in the person named Jesus or if God exists - this story is important. 
It’s the story that brings us deeper into the understanding that suffering is inescapable as a part of the Broken Body. 

Joy and Suffering - coming from the same cup. The deeper we learn and experience suffering - the deeper we learn of Joy and all the love that stems from the word.

As I remember this phrase, “to love is to suffer”, I realize that suffering is a part of the human condition — as is love, and when we love, God brings us in closer and holds us a little bit tighter…

and it is here that you’ll find…
Joy.