FEATURE
COMPASSION FATIGUE THE CHALLENGE OF CARING
by The Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Sassaman, D.Min., S.T.M., M.Div., EMT
C
ompassion fatigue is ever present these days. Whether you are reading this as a caregiver, a first responder, or anyone of a million other human vocations that matter, you are tasked with the daily responsibility of giving yourself to the world. Yet, despite the cultural adages and uplifting phrases, there will never be enough compassion to patch everyone up. You may try; but you will fail. You cannot be everything to everyone. I can quote you a bunch of fancy definitions and give you a ton of personal stories. I will not do that though. You already know why you are reading this. You are finding it difficult to care.
28
THE RESPONSE // WINTER 2021
