LAST EDITED ON 05-07-06 AT 00:21 AM (EST)

EMBTGIRL gave us a good definition of the word "compassion" - it speaks to being involved with the sufferer. True compassion generally moves people to act on the behalf of others. I don't know that Christie is feeling moved to compassion at every turn; I think she's feeling something, but it might be closer to sympathy. The root meanings and the origin of the word "sympathy" means "to have similar emotions (pathos)". I don't think it's splitting hairs to note the difference in the two words. And I agree with EMBTGIRL - Christie would be suffering with a lot of people if that was what she was really feeling. I'm not seeing that. I'm not saying she's unfeeling, I just think she using the wrong word for what she is feeling.

Sometimes I mentally drift when SO is on (Christie's monotone voice just isn't registering with me anymore), or I go in and out of the room because I have SO on when I'm doing something else. I say this because I must have missed the story of Chrisie's brother. Do I understand this correctly? Is he living with his homeless mother? Does that mean he is in a shelter? What about school? What about the authorities?

If this boy is not being taken care of, all I can say is that somebody better step up to the plate NOW. While I understand that Christy has had issues, etc., I am having a difficult time reconciling the fact that Christy, a 30 year old-woman, is lodging in a large house in LA reaching her goals while her own flesh and blood, a minor no less, is in a dire physical and emotional situation.

Is Christie the same woman who stood transfixed as she listened to Iyanla working with Niambi the other day? As Iyanla roleplayed as Niambi's mother, Niambi was on the receiving end of some very hurtful sentiments and insults that were being delivered in the harshest of tones. I heard Christie say, "No child should have to hear the things that WE heard growing up (referring to Niambi and herself)" and then she turned around and left the room in tears.

Let's hope that Christie's compassion is more than just sympathy this time. Sympathy won't help her brother - compassion might.

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