Why Care? Part 2: I Am My Brother's Keeper, Clarified

After writing, editing, discussing at length with someone I love and trust, and re-revising my previous blog post, I recognize that it still needs some clarification. Here is a brief update on my ever-evolving thoughts on the subject. But, again, please recognize that I'm still working through what I'm trying to say here, and I welcome your contribution.

 I do recognize my finite reach as an individual. I maintain that being my brother's keeper means a responsibility toward all people. However, I by no means intend to say that we are each personally responsible for solving every problem in our world, or even that we are responsible for actively engaging in solving every problem. That's humanly impossible, and I accept that (painful as that dose of reality and humility is for me to swallow). However, I mean to say that excuses like "it's not my problem," "it doesn't affect me," or "there's nothing I can do, so why care?" are not valid. As our brothers' keepers, we have a responsibility, first and foremost, to care. Sincerely caring will lead to action. What form that action takes is entirely up to each individual and will depend on what issues he or she feels most strongly about. My purpose with this blog is to inform myself and others concerning some of the issues I care about and how we can act on them in keeping with the truth "I am my brother's keeper."

I got the feedback that what I said in my previous post was cliche and nothing new, that all I really said was that we need to serve and care about others, and we all know that already. And maybe that's partly true. Here's why I wrote it anyway:

1. I cannot go on with what I'm trying to say in this blog without first establishing that fundamental truth. There is no point in a call to action on behalf of others without a solid reason to respond to that call. In my mind at least, that solid reason is that we have an inherent responsibility as well as the power to do so. If that doesn't make sense or you see logical holes in that conclusion, PLEASE stop me and I'll work on that!
2. Yes, we all know we need to serve and care about others. We've heard the phrase "I am my brother's keeper." However, my intention is not just to give the phrase another cameo appearance, but to make it a starring role in our lives. I want to emphasize that this is our true identity. It's not "I should be my brother's keeper," "I act as my brother's keeper occasionally" or anything of the sort. I AM my brother's keeper. If we truly understand ourselves in this way, our world will change.
3. Even if you've heard it before, I think it bears repeating and remembering. Why? Because we can look around the world and see by people's actions that we don't really believe it yet. And I include myself in that indictment. We all need to be frequently reminded and re-convinced that (1) our responsibilities extend beyond fulfilling our own desires and (2) we actually CAN effect change in the world! If you are able to continually keep these two principles in mind and not let your faith in them waiver (keeping in mind that the true test of faith is the action it produces), I honor you. The rest of us lesser mortals need periodic reminders to keep us on track.

Again, I welcome your thoughts, suggestions, and critiques. As always, thanks for reading.