Chris
Certified Member
Share an example of when spiritual care made a meaningful impact
Story 1
"Max" was not a religious person, he told me frequently he was an atheist. He said he and his family had come from a country of oppression. He and his mother fled the country in fear and alone. He told me he had been scarred by his early life. Chaos was his norm, he confessed. Thus, he found it impossible to believe in more than nature, things he could see and feel. So, he loved all of creation, most especially plants which took care of as family, and referred to as his children.
Max asked if I would continue to see him regularly on a schedule despite his lack of faith, and I said of course I would. We spoke of things that mattered to him, to his spirit. He had a very quick mind, and examined everything philosophically. Sometimes it seemed as if he were trying to test me, to push me away. But he always spoke honestly with me, no matter what we spoke of. I didn’t know if it the visits were any help at all to him. However, he took me by surprise one day when he said, 'Thank you for coming and listening. You were the only one here who has been consistent. I knew I could count on you.' You never know what it means to someone’s spirit if you just show up and be.
"Max" was not a religious person, he told me frequently he was an atheist. He said he and his family had come from a country of oppression. He and his mother fled the country in fear and alone. He told me he had been scarred by his early life. Chaos was his norm, he confessed. Thus, he found it impossible to believe in more than nature, things he could see and feel. So, he loved all of creation, most especially plants which took care of as family, and referred to as his children.
Max asked if I would continue to see him regularly on a schedule despite his lack of faith, and I said of course I would. We spoke of things that mattered to him, to his spirit. He had a very quick mind, and examined everything philosophically. Sometimes it seemed as if he were trying to test me, to push me away. But he always spoke honestly with me, no matter what we spoke of. I didn’t know if it the visits were any help at all to him. However, he took me by surprise one day when he said, 'Thank you for coming and listening. You were the only one here who has been consistent. I knew I could count on you.' You never know what it means to someone’s spirit if you just show up and be.
Story 2
I received a page in the early hours of the morning to attend a hospital bedside. A large family was gathered around an aging woman. The family spokesperson told me that they had been gathered for days, expecting the end for their loved one. Even the doctors were surprised the patient was still alive. They family members had been sure that once the last son arrived today that their mom would have gone to God. She had been a very faithful person all of her life, and they didn’t think she was afraid to die. But as they talked it through, they realized that she hadn’t yet received prayer. So, they asked if I could please pray with them for their mom.
I had been weary as I drove to the hospital in the wee hours, but all weariness left me as I realized their deep need. I prayed sincerely for this faithful person and for their family. I heard the family members begin to weep as I prayed. When I finished the silence grew for a long moment, but it was an awe filled, sacred space.
The family spokesperson spoke softly, "My mom died as you prayed. It was your prayer that she was waiting for. We cannot thank you enough."
As I received many hugs and handshakes that day, I realized in great measure, what a sacred privilege it is to do this work.
I received a page in the early hours of the morning to attend a hospital bedside. A large family was gathered around an aging woman. The family spokesperson told me that they had been gathered for days, expecting the end for their loved one. Even the doctors were surprised the patient was still alive. They family members had been sure that once the last son arrived today that their mom would have gone to God. She had been a very faithful person all of her life, and they didn’t think she was afraid to die. But as they talked it through, they realized that she hadn’t yet received prayer. So, they asked if I could please pray with them for their mom.
I had been weary as I drove to the hospital in the wee hours, but all weariness left me as I realized their deep need. I prayed sincerely for this faithful person and for their family. I heard the family members begin to weep as I prayed. When I finished the silence grew for a long moment, but it was an awe filled, sacred space.
The family spokesperson spoke softly, "My mom died as you prayed. It was your prayer that she was waiting for. We cannot thank you enough."
As I received many hugs and handshakes that day, I realized in great measure, what a sacred privilege it is to do this work.