Everyone wants to know how a sick person is doing, but, generally it is related to their physical ailment, not their psyche, their thoughts and fears.
I read a short review on a book by a nurse, Courtney Davis, who ended up spending twenty eight days in the hospital for what should have been a “simple surgery” and quick recovery time. The reviewer of her book, When the Nurse Becomes a Patient, struck on a point that I’ve overlooked for the most part when visiting in the hospital - the fear factor. The author wrote: “My pain was intense, and so was my fear. Fear is pain’s companion – and yet no care-giver asked me to rate my fear . . . Medication might lessen our bodily pains, turning an 8 into a 5, but it doesn’t necessarily render us less afraid.”
The scale of pain - 1 to 10 was taught to me by my assistant, the late Bob Smock. Although in usage for eons, since I had never been in a hospital I never heard it . . . not until he asked it of someone in my hearing. Now I’m wondering if I need to come up with an additional scale, that of fear, to discover what level is my parishioner in his/her spirit. We can and should pray for healing of the body, but maybe we need to expand our prayers and comfort to this area.
Of course, you probably already knew this. Maybe I’m just slow coming to the party.
Not Sure I Like the Results of This Answer to Prayer
Dan Allen
2/6/2018
Introducing Guest Speakers
Dan
8/1/2015
Quotes
Dan Allen
6/3/2015
Fear Factor
Dan Allen
5/26/2015
We All Need Good Understanding
Dan Allen
5/19/2015
"God is good, God is great ..."
Dan Allen
4/21/2015
Legalism Claims 7 Lives
Dan Allen
3/26/2015
Interpreters
Dan Allen
3/24/2015
Discouragement - #2
Rev. Dan Allen
8/12/2014
Contact with Congregation
Rev. Dan Allen
3/20/2014
Counseling
Rev. Dan Allen
12/26/2012
Feelings
Rev. Dan Allen
4/13/2011
Discouragement
Rev. Dn Allen
3/26/2011
Authority
Rev. Dan Allen
3/4/2011
Attendances
Rev. Dan Allen
12/25/2010
Calendar
Rev. Dan Allen
8/26/2010