Met a young man who admitted he had a problem with alcohol. A good first step. He is scared about going into treatment which is coming up. He knows he is hurting his family who supports him, and wished he had a job. Gave him encouragement that he was taking a step in the right direction and that it would not be easy, but support will help him through this. His parents came into the room and shared how they support him as well. The dad seemed a little judgmental and tough, but hopefully, he will be a good support. The father asked what church that I go to and I said “Nazarene”. He knows someone at the WC and MSBG Nazarene churches. He also knew some of my family members. They seem like a nice family that will help their son through this difficult time in his life.
An elderly lady seemed to have to need to talk a lot. She talked so much, and sad to say I did not fellow well. It was getting lengthy. Her daughter was there and followed me out into the hallway. She started sharing how her mother was found hurt and had lay there for it seemed days before being found. She further shared how guilty she felt about it all. She said she was going to counseling and when her mother found out what had actually happened she would be upset over it all. There seemed to be something about a telephone call that bothered the younger women. I assured her she was not to feel guilty, and that she was here NOW for her mother. She is headed to see her pastor/counselor.
Walked into a room and the patient was on the telephone. He hung up and wanted prayer when he found out who I was. I had prayed and he expressed such a thankful heart toward chaplain. He said “this is the day the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad.” If only we all did practice that all the time, it would be a wonderful world.
One lady was rather emotional due to her recent sickness and now another one. She also expressed home trouble and did not seem to be in the best of spirits. I shared with her something recently that I have been studying from the book of Philippians in how God wants us to be joyful. It is not easy, but he will walk with us and help us. He does not promise that we will be free from pain. Jesus even cried over sorrow once over a death, and is been for us where we are in pain. Used some scripture and prayer. Hopefully, she will have some things to think about to encourage her spirits.
