by Pastor Kerry-Ann Mapperson
No one likes being sick. No one likes pain. No one likes being unable to help ourselves. No one likes losing our dignity. But the truth is we all will be vulnerable in some way due to physical dysfunction in our lifetime.
Darwinism says, “survival of the fittest”, which immediately says Premi-babies, fragile elderly, disabled or anyone after a major accident is at risk of being left behind.
Love is one of those crucial attributes that evolution cannot explain. If Darwinism were true, we would not need hospitals or nurses. Instead, we can and should choose to live in such a way that we care for the least. Caring for the most vulnerable in our community has real and pleasant consequences for your life.
From the moment we were born it was not simply to ‘be,’ but also to ‘do.’ We are not just to absorb what the world has for ourselves, but to use what we must give, to create, to build, to mend. We are engaging at our best when we make steps to love someone first who is not loving me first and maybe to do it with people who cannot give back to me.
Remember who’s in control.
This is a hard one for nurses, care givers and all medical front liners. Nursing is a field where your actions and decisions are a huge deal, and in reality they can mean life or death for someone. In that line of thinking it’s easy to become stressed out as you feel you must manage and control everything. But when it comes down to it you don’t have control. You just don’t.
We appreciate those who make choices to serve and care for the wellbeing of our most vulnerable, for their lack of favouritism, no discrimination but instead consistent in their level of care for every person.
Our personal values and morals need to lead us to be more merciful and more compassionate towards people with very practical needs.
If we can turn a blind eye from our community vulnerable, something’s missing or damaged in our soul; it’s not whole, it’s not complete. It lacks integrity.
Caring, is going to mean concern for the vulnerable. It’s going to mean showing compassion and mercy. It’s going to mean giving them what is needed for the body and soul.
Love is the compassion that feels, the care that gets involved, and the commitment that doesn’t quit. Love originates in the giver of love, not the recipient of love; love initiates, love takes the first step in reaching out to those in need. Love pays the ultimate price, going to extraordinary lengths to help the hurting.
Love your neighbour as yourself. That’s the law of love, and if we do that we’re going to care for the needs of the oppressed. Our community as a whole is stronger when we do not ignore our vulnerable.
If you are not in a position of responsibility in caring for the vulnerable, consider assisting someone that is. Give them encouragement. Be there to offer respite or provide meals to help carry their load. Be someone who engages with them in conversations that take their minds and hearts to a different place, even if it is just for an hour or two.
If you are a Carer of a vulnerable person at home, do not isolate. Loneliness is a feeling; isolation is a choice.
Find community groups that you can join that fill your emotional tank and remind you who you are as an individual.
Take time to go for walks to enjoy nature and allow it to restore your soul.
Send Hope Chapel a message to let us know how you are going.