Friday, August 26, 2005

"A Tribute to Health Care Professionals"

"But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him" (Luke 10:33, 34).

Today I want to express gratitude for a blessing I am sure virtually all reading this have experienced in one way or another.  These last several days as my Mom has been hospitalized we have been so blessed by her health care providers. Yesterday we had some difficult challenges and one by one we experienced expressions of consideration and kindness.

It occurred to me that these people deal with this daily and their occupation can easily become routine. They can lose awareness and empathy for the experiences of their patients and family members in the midst of their multitude of duties. But I saw no evidence of this at all. I especially consider the compassion of my Mom's nurse, Gail.

Now this is a field in which I am not called, so I am very thankful for those who are.  I just have no interest in watching, let alone participating, in medical procedures. When the doctors say, "Please step out of the room" I'm already on my way out. I actually get squeamish when Brooksyne trims our dogs claws.

But all over the world today there are those "bandaging wounds and pouring on oil and wine", a phrase indicative of medical care. Although caring for others medically is not a uniquely Christian act, undeniably scores of people are motivated by the example and teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ. * Members of my spiritual family are serving others in hospitals and clinics in the remotest parts of this terrestrial ball.

I am aware that many health care professionals receive these messages. May the Lord bless and use you today as you extend the compassion of Christ to others through medical care. May you not grow weary in well-doing.  My prayer is that you will have many opportunities to share the motivation behind your deeds of kindness.


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Prayer from Brooksyne:  "Jesus, help me to have the heart and motivation of the Samaritan when he saw the needy man along the way.  Taking the time to stop and help wasn't on his schedule and his medical expenses weren't in the Samaritan's budget.  He didn't consider these factors to be an obstacle that would keep him from extending Your mercy to one in need.  Jesus, help me to be Your hand extended reaching out to the needy, the sick, and the oppressed.  And, Lord, when it is not within my ability or power to directly reach that person in need, prompt me to bring him before the throne in earnest prayer.  Help me to be a vessel that You use to heal the broken-hearted as You bind up their wounds.  And I will do it in Jesus' name and for Your honor.  Amen."

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Update on Mom – Regular readers are aware that Stephen's mom, Georgia Mae, is in the hospital. She underwent more testing yesterday afternoon.  She had a echocardiogram to rule our heart issues and the doctors inserted a scope to examine the condition of her lungs.  We were relieved when they found that the fluid was not blood (as they were concerned it would be), which would certainly have made Georgia's situation much worse.  The samples were sent to the lab and we'll find out more about that later.  They placed her on a ventilator to do the scope test – they were concerned she would not get enough oxygen during the procedure otherwise. Throughout the morning she was getting oxygen at 15 L @ 50%.  It was indeed a very difficult day for her.  She was sedated most of the evening and throughout the night.  We called this morning and she is satble and her numbers are good. If her numbers are improved today she may come off the ventilator.  Thank you again for your interest and prayers on her behalf and for those that have sent emails or called. Each one is read and brings encouragement. However we are quite behind on our email replies!

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* Many years ago I recall reading an excellent book by Dr. D. James Kennedy that studies the impact of Jesus Christ upon our world including health care. What if Jesus Had Never Been Born?  Here's a brief description: We live in a cynical age in which only one prejudice is tolerated--anti-Christian bigotry. Yet despite the unbridled slanders and attacks against the faith, one powerful truth is undeniable: if Christ had never been born, nearly every facet of human life would be much more miserable than it is today. Arranged topically and presenting compelling, little-known historical facts, this book clearly demonstrates that an enormous array of benefits to humankind--from economics to art to government, science to civil liberties, morality to health, and beyond--would never have occurred had Jesus Christ not lived.