- Steve Berlack
The Better Angels
I’ve just recently come to understand that we are all in pain. In some form
or another. In some degree or another.
Some of us wear our pain on our sleeves for all to see. Shouting our pain
to the hilltops. Uncaring who knows it...who sees it...or who recoils from
it. We try to rant our pain away. Push our pain away. We stare people in
the eye and tell them if they make one false step, we’re gonna.... And little
do others know that what we’re really saying is: “HELP ME!!”
Some of us absorb our pain. Internalize our pain. Quiet our pain away....
We hold our pain inside, scared for anyone to see it. We hold it in so well
that our bodies shake from the exertion of our efforts. The pain creeps out
onto our faces, unbeknownst to us. Our eyes catch those of others around
us, and without speaking, we plead: “HELP ME!!”
I’m here to tell you that Angels of Pain are all around us. Whether they’re
shouting to the rooftops or silently pleading with us, they’re near. They
are our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, friends, and yes...
our enemies.
So the next time someone is in your face and passing that pain to you, be
The Better Angel. Remember what they’re really saying, and give them
a warm, heartfelt smile. Let them know you’re listening, that what they
say matters, and watch what happens to that pain. Instead of jumping
into their pit of pain, pull them up to your ledge of light. It may not be
comfortable for you. You may not like the feeling. But who said it’s about
you? Who knows? You might just save a life....