The phrase "bleeding heart liberal" was coined in the 1930's. And it was referring specifically to what this image represents and a liberals attitude toward those in need, those suffering and otherwise disparaged by society. Over the years, however, it's somehow become, quite often, by those who claim to be followers of Christ, a negative connotation and a basis for their very bastardization of his teachings (these, perhaps, are the false prophets of whom Christ spoke?). I've always been raised to believe a bleeding heart is a compassionate heart, so the negative connotation baffles me. Because of my own faith, I can't see how someone calling me a "bleeding heart liberal" could ever be a bad thing. In fact, I find it one of the greatest compliments.
Someone recently said in a facebook posting; "better a bleeding heart than no heart at all". I don't know this person (it's a friend of a friend sort of thing) but I thought she summed everything up beautifully. I'd rather help, by whatever means I'm able, than to see my fellow travelers suffering and have done nothing at all. THAT, I believe, is what our existence is about. Humanity needs to realize that it's not "me" but "we".
Then again, I'm just a freak.
Good point. Hence my work in childcare. I may not get the financial reward that sometimes I think I'm due but I know I am impacting other people's lives. (Maybe help develop some smart people for the future) ANd yes you are a freak....lol
ReplyDeleteI've embraced my freakiness for years. LOL But yes, I think the most important professions are teachers and doctors (well, scientists as well, but NORMAL professions...LOL). I was talking to a customer the other day, who was a teacher, and made the point that there is such a disparity in pay between, again, my opinion, the two most important occupations. She thanked me, because not many people give her praise for her profession, and said the most amazing thing for her is that parents are no longer feeling the obligation to actually RAISE their own children and it's become a part of HER job. I'm sure you know all about that. I am, of course, referring to all the teachers who do it because they have a desire for helping inspire the future, even if it's just one child. But the manners start at home...
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