The Danger in Walking Away

We encounter daunting problems. Some of them seem utterly hopeless, and many people are inclined to walk (or run) away. They do not see any chance for resolution, are tired of dealing with it, and decide to wash their hands of the whole business.

[Note: In some cases, walking away is a viable solution, but generally only if BOTH parties are willing to walk away and start fresh. The situation I describe is one in which only one party gives up and leaves.]

The danger in giving up and walking away from a problem is twofold.

First, I believe that you are inflicting violence upon yourself. It causes a sort of spiritual damage to decide that you're helpless and the situation is hopeless. You are never helpless until you decide you are helpless. No situation is ever hopeless until you decide it his hopeless.

Second, you are inflicting violence upon those you leave behind. They needed your help in overcoming this obstacle. You can assist them in building a better tomorrow. Removing yourself from the challenge makes the situation that much more of a challenge.

Of course, we cannot solve or even work to solve every major challenge, but sometimes I think that just supporting the dream of a resolution in spirit and in voice counts for a lot, whereas saying, "This is evil, wrong, and hopeless and I'm out of here" resolves nothing.