Monday, August 29, 2005

i think i am going to need some more information!

"Chaplain, I think I need to talk to you." "Ok, what's going on?"

"Well, I am been a Christian my whole life and I think I am losing my faith!"

"I believe I am going to need some more information."

"Like I said, I am worried. I have started reading the Bible for the first time in my life and I don't think I like it. Have you read the Bible?" "Yes!" (In my mind I state: I am a minister who served in churches for the last 24 years, have I read the Bible? Are you kidding me? Duh!)

"What is causing this crisis for you?"

"You know that story about Lot and his daugthers who got him drunk and took advantage of him?"(Genesis 39:30-38) I nod yes. "Why is that in there? It horrible!" "Yes, it is."

"I just don't understand why God would allow that to be written about...incest, com' on that's not right."

"I agree, it isn't right. One of the reasons I like the Bible is that it shows and reveals the total person. It's not a fairy tale. There are villians and victors, saints and sinners. I see myself in many of the stories (not that one...). I am not perfect. I am a flawed person who loves God and is loved by God. Keep reading. There are incredible stories of faith and hope, saddness and betrayal. Don't give up." A patient calls him for help and off he goes...

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

how do you talk to dead people?

Chaplains get ask all kinds of questions. I must admit that this one was new.

Late last night a patient takes a turn for the worst; I am talking to the family and am asked "How...how exactly do you talk to a dead person?"

Chaplains are taught to listen with a "third ear." It is listening for what the words that are behind the words. "This is a tough time for you and your family. And at times it can be hard to know what to say or how to communicate your love and feelings. Most people want to know they are loved and cared for."

"I am so scared. I don't want him to die. This is one of the hardest things I have ever had to face and I feel so unprepared."

"When you were together what did you do?" "We laughed about some of the things we have done in our lives and family. We shared stories. We prayer together and enjoyed being together." "That sounds wonderful. Do that. Celebrate your lives together. Laugh. Cry. Pray. Just be together. What a beautiful expression of your love for each other!"

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

idiot!!

BOYCOTT THE 700 CLUB!

Monday, August 22, 2005

crying at christmas plays

Recently an RN stirred some deep feelings within me.

"Chaplain, do you know who Phyliss Schafley is?" Where can I hide is my immediate response? "Hmm, I have heard of her; why are you asking?" She was on a TV show last night and I have to tell you I think I hate her?"

Now I am confused? I don't do confessions. "I think I am going to need some more info!" "Well, I think something has gone wrong. I thought Christianity was about acceptance, forgiveness, love and compassion. I always thought it was something to look up to, not something to look down at and avoid."

My heart starts to break. I am NOT the defender of the faith, but this stings. "If that is what you become when you become a christian, why would anyone do that?" Sheepishly I respond with "I don't know." He continues "I have always tired to save HATE for Hitler and people like that, but I honestly think I hate her and it scares me."

My family and I love going to Christmas plays, events at churches and in the community. But it is double edged sword for me. I love the story and majesty of the coming of the Messiah and God's love for us. Then somewhere in the second half I am crying, wiping away tears, not because I am moved and overwhelmed by God's grace, but because this simple story has become convoluted with bereaucracy, structures, power struggles, political agendas and other crap. That's not what I signed up for...and why I find myself crying at Christmas plays.

Saturday, August 20, 2005

It started innocently....

It started as two guys from California in a foreign land...Texas... going to college; who became brothers, the best man in each others wedding, and friends. We have been asking crazy questions, driving people nuts, not afraid to go to the dark places of life...ours and others. We can be deep and incredibly shallow...we are guys!

Fast forward almost thirty years; we are hospital chaplains who still ask crazy questions, drive people nuts and think we have something to say about people, relationships, religion, families,
theology, hospital care, health care, patients, culture, life...and we are not shy about doing so!