The Wealth of an Emotional Bond

In meeting a complete stranger, an open soul consciously awakens trust, and I find a bond through the empathy we all possess. I just stopped at the bank, and the connection I had with the teller began her transformation almost immediately. I instantly recognized that she hurt terribly inside, but I kept quiet. We went about our business as usual. When the topic of my name change came up, I embraced the opportunity. I opened up about the transformation I had undergone on an honest faith journey. I mentioned my book. The kindness we offered one another enabled us to form a bond.

After I explained the premise of Raising Mother Nature, knowing we all shared in the psychology of this philosophical narrative, the connection to an informed, conscious understanding of human nature and our ability to survive what naturally happens in life took precedence over any sales pitch. This woman had a history of emotional abuse as a child and escaped her childhood home to live with an aunt. Now she lives and fights cancer daily, with a weariness no one should experience alone.

When I opened the dialogue to allow her access to what ate at this tired soul, she responded with the fears that haunted her at that moment. I knew, but I had respected her privacy. She needed to express her hurt today. I listened and heard the pain she released into the universe. I used terminology like “I hear you,” “I love you,” “I am a friend if you need one,” or simply offered the option for her to have an advocate for battling the disease and healing from the mental and emotional effects. Empathy has healing properties, which makes literature a powerful tool, but the tenderness of a kind stranger can ease the tensions of a life warrior.

I have lived through extreme occurrences that damaged my psyche. Family and friends helped shape my faith, and then God led me through His understanding. He made me the capable man who knows no boundaries when love becomes the method for proving supportive.

Today, I accomplished significantly more than merely selling a book. She and I acknowledged the importance of human nature’s influence, as reflected in the virtues naturally instilled in me as a philosopher who understands the healing power of unconditional love. She felt secure in my presence, despite being a complete stranger and a man, no impression of perversion, which is common in our society. She recognized the profound influence Jesus had on my counsel. She purchased the book and was intrigued by the concept I presented: that one individual can flourish through the supportive pursuit of another.

I added to my readership, sure, but I made a friend for life. What is so wrong with caring about someone without getting to know their least important aspects through ideologies and other simple opinions? I gave her access to an open heart; she did the rest of the work to grow stronger today.

I am so proud of Jennifer for being a warrior. Humans like her make the world a far better reality.

Thank you, God.