Christian-behavior Quote by Chris Crutcher
““From a distance,' he says, 'my car looks just like every other car on the freeway, and Sarah Byrnes looks just like the rest of us. And if she's going to get help, she'll get it from herself or she'll get it from us. Let me tell you why I brought this up. Because the other day when I saw how hard it was for Mobe to go to the hospital to see her, I was embarrassed that I didn't know her better, that I ever laughed at one joke about her. I was embarrassed that I let some kid go to school with me for twelve years and turned my back on pain that must be unbearable. I was embarrassed that I haven't found a way to include her somehow the way Mobe has.' Jesus. I feel tears welling up, and I see them running down Ellerby's cheeks. Lemry better get a handle on this class before it turns into some kind of therapy group. So,' Lemry says quietly, 'your subject will be the juxtaposition of man and God in the universe?' Ellerby shakes his head. 'My subject will be shame.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, 2007
The narrator feels shame for not understanding a peer’s suffering and vows to be more inclusive.
In simple terms: He regrets ignoring a friend’s pain and wants to change.
Key Takeaway
Practice empathy and active inclusion.
Themes
empathy
shame
inclusion
Mood
emotional
introspective
Type
literary
inspirational
When to use this quote
- school counseling
- peer mentorship
- community outreach programs
Key Concepts
social responsibility
personal growth
community support
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we recognize hidden biases?
- What steps foster genuine inclusion?
A Different Perspective
Changing attitudes can be slow and meet resistance.
