"To say nothing is perhaps the hardest, most demanding response of all, but it can also be the most loving and respectful…silence, in certain circumstances, is to encourage a friend to feel those feelings.” Anonymous
All the way to the hospital I complained, Lord, why me! I don’t have the gift of compassion. I’ve never done hospital ministry before. I’m not a mother. I don’t know what to say, I barely know her. When He still hadn’t answered as I drove into the parking lot, my complaining turned to an ultimatum. You have to give me the words to say, as I thought about John 14:26 which talks about how He will bring to mind what we need to say. When I walked into the waiting room the pastor and nurse filled me in on the accident and the little girl’s condition. I turned to the couch where a head of disheveled hair sat atop a rumpled coat leaning across the arm rest. I sat next to her and put my arm around her shoulders. She wasn’t crying. She must have been in shock. Shouldn’t the nurses be treating her as well? Then it occurred to me, maybe this is why they called me...but what was I supposed to do? What should I say?
The nurse approached and spoke to me. “She’s gone. You need to have her put her daughter back on the bed.” I nodded. Okay God, I need Your help here! How do I get a mother to say goodbye to her daughter for the last time? I was surprised when moments later these words came out of my mouth, “Cheryl, she’s gone now. Let’s put her to bed.” It took a few minutes, but Cheryl tucked her in as if she was putting her down for a nap, and we returned to the waiting room.
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3
What are your thoughts? Libby
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WelcomeI love the wisdom of the ages gleaned from relevant quotes. In them there is a connection to the human experience that crosses all borders. Join me as I relate my personal experiences, and link the wisdom of the quote to the Source of all wisdom: God's Word, the Bible. Enjoy, Libby Categories
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