butterfly taken july 31 2005

tiny leafhopper

bee

healing

August 2, 2005

Courage Mt 14:22-36

Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side of the sea, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night,
he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. "It is a ghost," they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Peter said to him in reply, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened;
and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, "Truly, you are the Son of God."

After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the men of that place recognized him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought to him all those who were sick and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed.

Courage keeps us afloat. The people came and were healed even those who only touched the tassel on his cloak. All who touched Jesus were healed. Touch is an important part of healing. I have that in my heart and mind when I first greet a person in a medical setting.

Often, the first act of contact is our eyes meet and we shake hands. During the interview, if it is determined that the person is experiencing pain, I make sure that shortly after that during the assessment I am able to tell where the pain is with my hands. This part of the healing process is directed by the person who is experiencing the pain, but it is amazing how many times that my hands will go to the exact area of pain with out further verbal directions from the person just a recognition "Yes, it hurts right there." Some of this is experience with symptoms and anatomy and physiology.

Pain is not always an easy problem to heal but it is most obvious to the person treated when it is properly responded to. Pain has dimensions that go beyond the physical and include psychological and spiritual. Fear is also a factor that can influence levels of pain. Pain is very individual and it is what the individual says it is.

Healing of course encompasses a wide range of care for people in many dimensions of their health. It is a loving response to sickness and need. It requires being accessible to those in need. Being present and caring.