I can’t remember all of their names; the hundreds of deaths performed each year, the tears, the pain, the grief. Every experience of sadness leaves a notch upon your heart. You can’t help the hurting ones unless you enter the sphere of their pain. A little more on the wagon of life, a little less on those in loss; pull the load a few days, then rest, set it off.
I close my eyes and sometimes see an infant in early eternal sleep, or an aged saint in fragile pause, no more expelling breath. The shrieks and cries of loved ones wage your own emotional stress. A soul has left for Heaven or that other dreadful place; I can only wonder unless they somehow stated. A soul carries no weight unless you watched it’s body die, then you carry it in your heart for awhile, or maybe more.
Health care, Rescue, Law Enforcement and Pastoral Care collectively are the major players in hurting and death. The tear drop that almost fell, the collapsing body on shock of loss, the straight line on the monitor and the awful sound of no beeping. All combine to beat up the inner man leaving bruises on the heart. Yet, it is a blessing of God to be used in this unique ministry of God. The message of Grace, God’s love and comfort resonates in times like death.
Like the prophet of old who stood in the streets of a dying city calling for God’s help. The Chaplain intercedes for the ones in pain. They may disdain God, hate church, swear with every other word but they are hurting, in need and God loves them. Never underestimate the power of genuine prayer; God does listen and He can change hearts. So, when one heart stops physically, God may start another spiritually.
Praise God for the blessing of service to Him by helping others.
No comments:
Post a Comment