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For most of us, life is like a normal whitewater rafting trip. As we travel down this river of life, we experience times when the water is calm, peaceful and serene. All seems good, right and stress free. Our greatest concern is whether we have put enough suntan lotion on. Then the rapids come. We are ready for this. We have trained for this. We will survive. The calm waters will soon return. The difficult rapids are only temporary. In fact, we may even enjoy the challenge because we are confident, mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:4). Bring on the rapids!
This is how life should be. A rafting trip full of good experiences with some challenges and trials along the way that help to build character and increase our confidence. If only life was always like that for everyone. Sadly, it is not.
Now imagine you are the whitewater rafting guide on this wonderful trip. Your task is to provide a great experience for your clients and to keep them safe. When the rapids come, you guide your group safely through the dangerous waters. You take great joy in serving them because you love what you do. You signed an agreement to serve and protect and you aim to live up to that agreement.
One day, as the rafting guide, you take a group out. All begins well but soon things change. The rapids come sooner and last longer. They just go on and on with no apparent end in sight. Around every bend in the river are just more rapids. The white water is no longer there to build character and instill confidence. It is intent on destroying those in your care. You do all you can to protect them, to keep them safe, but you are tired, you are exhausted, you become numb. The rapids continue.
04/22/2025
6 min read
03/19/2025
6 min read
03/07/2025
4 min read
There is a name for our imaginary rafting guide’s experience. It is called compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue occurs when we are in a constant state of service to others. We are overly exhausted and burnt out. We feel irritable, and we may even begin to feel numb toward those we are providing help. It is not a healthy situation. Unfortunately, sometimes we cannot avoid it due to life’s circumstances. So, what can we do?
Below are some suggestions to help the helpers of the world. These individuals are our full-time caregivers, our service professionals (social workers, police offices, fire fighters, medical professionals, teachers, pastors, etc.) and anyone who, day in and day out, is providing constant care for others.
Compassion fatigue is real and we all probably experience it to some extent. It is healthy to recognize the symptoms of compassion fatigue (burn out, exhaustion, feeling numb toward others especially those for whom we care) and to seek support. As Christian brothers and sisters, it is also important to recognize those who may be suffering from compassion fatigue. Remember, it is much easier to navigate through the rapids when multiple people are paddling together.
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