I have always loved the original quote by Theodore Roosevelt, but after a recent Bible study session (with some amazing ladies!), I realized something: comparison steals more than just joy.

I was sitting with a group of girls that are very dear to my heart. We were sharing our stories and struggles, when a friend began her story with, “Well, this seems silly but…..” She then proceeded to share a very real struggle in her life. And thankfully a wise friend beat me to the punch when she pointed out that our friend’s struggle was not at all silly. She reassured her that what she was facing was real, important and worthy to share. That’s when it hit me, comparison is the thief of more than just joy….

It robs us of intimate fellowship and everything that comes along with it.

Think about it. How many times have we held back telling others what we are going through because we were worried that what we have to share may not seem like a big deal when compared to another’s struggle? When that happens we miss out on an opportunity to encourage and to be encouraged. We miss out on the chance to extend support and receive grace. We miss out on a moment to grow and to truly empathize* with another. All because we have predetermined in our minds that our struggles don’t compare with that of another.

Comparison steals any hope we have to love, connect and to build deep relationships.

I ran into this problem with a very close friend recently. When I found out some BIG things were going on in her life, she told me, “Well I just didn’t want to worry you, you’ve got your hands full….I mean it’s really not that big of a deal.” Sometimes I fear people think we hold the trump card because of our son’s diagnosis. Let me assure you, we do not! In fact, if you never read anything I write ever again, please know this…

Our struggles do not eclipse yours!!!

In a season of pain and suffering, we can isolate ourselves if we are not careful.  Don’t ever let anyone tell you that your struggles are not that bad. If they affect you physically, emotionally, or spiritually, then your struggles matter and they are worthy to be shared. No one has the right to hold a trump card over you. And if they do, then they have other issues they need to address within themselves.

We have to let go of comparing our circumstances. Pain, brokenness, sorrow…they all feel the same no matter what it is we are facing. So instead of comparing it, why don’t we lay it out for what it is and praise God for the chance to truly empathize with another.

If we can get past sympathy and learn empathy, then we can connect and have fellowship… and everything good that comes with it.

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*Empathy: If you don’t know the difference between empathy and sympathy, please watch this short video. Even if you do know, it’s worth your 3 minutes to watch.