By now the whole world knows the story of Kayla Mueller, the young woman who died in the hands of terrorists.
In the weeks since her death, I have been hearing over and over again about the amazing young woman she was. Even as a teenager and an undergraduate student, she was involved in helping others that many would turn away from.
In a letter written during her captivity, Kayla told her family: "I have been shown in darkness, light, and have learned that even in prison, one can be free. I am grateful. I have come to see that there is good in every situation, sometimes we just have to look for it."
According to someone who knew Kayla and her family personally, Kayla's favorite quote was by author Bertrand Russell: "Three passions, simple but overwhelmingly strong, have governed my life: the longing for love, the search for knowledge, and the unbearable pity for the suffering of mankind."
Her tragic end cannot overshadow the brilliancy with which her life illuminated those around her. From volunteering in the Coconino County Jail to giving her very life to help refugees in Syria, this woman was the face of pure compassion to anyone in need.
Her total giving of self is the stuff of which saints and heroes are made, one decision at a time. Her compassion is actually something that we are ALL called to do -maybe not in Syria, but at least to those around us -the tired checkout clerk, the burned-out plumber, our sometimes-irritating family members.
Kayla said, “Peace is not something you wish for. It’s something you make. It’s something you do. It’s something you are. And it’s something you give away.”
May her light shine on forever, inspiring us all to remember that compassion is also something we make.
Beautifully said, thank you!
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