“You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.” – Psalm 86:5

I can still remember my first visit with him as a hospice chaplain. My patient had recently learned he was dying and had chosen hospice care.

When I first met this tall but gentle giant I inquired about his life. He recounted his experiences as an infantry soldier in Vietnam. He served two tours to Vietnam and earned two bronze stars for heroism in battle.  As he shared, his gaze shifted off into the distance;  I could tell something was troubling him. My patient turned to me and asked with tears beginning to well up in his eyes, “Do you think God can forgive me for what I did in Vietnam?” 

I felt tears begin to form in my eyes as I shared that I was also a part-time Army Reserve chaplain and a former enlisted soldier who fought in Afghanistan several years ago. I shared my own experience of healing and forgiveness. I shared the story of  king David and the passage in Psalm 86:5, “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.” 

After I shared, my patient looked at me and stated, “I’ve been waiting since I came home from Vietnam to hear that. It feels good to be forgiven!” Before leaving, my patient showed me his medals from Vietnam and an article in the local paper, detailing  his military service. As I departed,  I asked if I could render him a salute. He humbly accepted my offer. He walked a little lighter and a bit taller that day and during the next several weeks before this gentle giant and American hero died with honor and forgiveness.

Submitted by Josiah Hoagland

Questions for Reflection

Reflect on a time that someone offered you forgiveness. How did that act of compassion change your perspective?

How might you extend grace or greater understanding to yourself?

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“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” – Matthew 18:20

At our facility, we cared for Rod (name changed) for a couple of decades, as he endured many surgeries and procedures. 

Rod finally decided his body could no longer fight, and he requested comfort care. So many on our staff had worked with Rod and knew him. He had become part of our hospital family, and our staff was grieving. 

To allow time for our staff to say goodbye to Rod, with his permission, I arranged a prayer shawl ritual. Our staff wheeled Rod in his hospital bed to the window by our meditation room, where he was surrounded by nearly 50 members of his family—both his birth family and his adoptive family, the facility staff. 

People from Pre-op, OR, Inpatient Care and Ancillary Services visited. There were doctors, nurses, laboratory techs, RTs and more. There were people who were working their shifts, and people who came in on their day off. There were even people who had left the organization but came back just for this. 

The space was made where people could engage in their healing in whatever way was right for them. We each had the opportunity to hold the prayer shawl and express whatever was right in the moment. Some prayed silently, others prayed aloud. Some prayers were Christian, others were not. Some offered words of encouragement, others offered their emotional goodbyes. Through it all, God’s healing presence was made known not just to Rod and his family, but to our staff. 

Rod’s life came to an end the next day, and his family asked me to lead them during his funeral service, which I agreed to do. 

I believe that our care for Rod is a testimony to the commitment we have to our patients, that we are people who see our patients as people with whom we can develop personal connections. Our mission statement emphasizes caring, especially for those who are vulnerable, and I believe we do that most authentically when we engage with our own vulnerability individually and collectively. What a treat it was to see that on display.

Submitted by Nosheen Rafique

Questions for Reflection

When was the last time a patient or colleague made a positive impact on you?

In what ways can challenges and hardship help us to live out our mission?

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Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. – 1 Peter 4:10

Today was going to be a good day. The patient was on the road to recovery and felt fine as he looked out the window, the skies filled with the promise he felt in his heart.

Without warning, his hopes shattered. Something was terribly wrong in his body, and he didn’t understand. Doctors were at work, but it was an irreversible problem. Not only would he not live through the day, he would likely not survive another 60 minutes.

Family members dashed into the patient’s room to say their goodbyes. The chaplain came to offer support. The patient could barely speak, but his brother relayed a message to the chaplain: “Please, find a guitar player. My brother loves the guitar and if he’s going to die, he wants to die to the sound of a guitar.”

The doctor told the chaplain to hurry. The man had very little time. 

I’m a maintenance man at the hospital. I fix things for a living. But, in my spare time, I play the guitar, and I play in the band at my church. 

I saw the chaplain hurrying toward me. He asked me to bring my guitar and play for a dying man I had never met. I looked at him as if he was out of his mind. “I’ll find you a good guitar player,” I offered.

“It’ll be too late; this man is dying now,” the chaplain replied. I heard a passage from Matthew inside my head: “Truly I say to you, inasmuch as you have done it to one of the least of these my brothers, you have done it to me.” With the conviction of the Lord upon my heart, I agreed to play.

I got my guitar, which I keep at the hospital because I stop in the chapel before work to play. It’s my way of honoring the Lord.

I went to the patient’s room. I didn’t even know his name. I played, “Came to My Rescue,” and then, “Draw Me Close,” and the man passed away.

The family thanked me and said, “He waited for you.” They said he refused to die until the guitar player came. Until this point, I thought I was to use my skills here as a maintenance man. God called on me to use the musical talents he gave me to help someone else. I now know he wants me to use all of my talents. It was one of the greatest gifts I have received.

Shared From the Sacred Stories Archive

Questions for Reflection

Can you think of a time when you were called upon to do something outside of your job description? Did you hesitate or did you answer the call? What did you learn from that experience?

What other gifts and talents do you have that might be used for God’s purposes?

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“Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant?” – Henry David Thoreau

I volunteered to work the day shift on Christmas Day because we were short-staffed. I was a little sad to leave my children and go to work. But, during my hour-long drive to work, I decided that I would make this a cheerful day and help my patients to not feel sad about being in the hospital on Christmas. I knew that they, too, would rather be at home with their families.

Most of the patients were in cheery moods, greeting the nurses with, “Merry Christmas!” However, one patient was just plain crabby. I did what I could to make her comfortable and opened the curtains so she could see the white, fluffy snowflakes gently falling outside. But, she remained crabby.

About 5:30 p.m., the dietary aides brought her supper. When I went to help her set up her tray, she complained that she didn’t like any of the food. I told her I could arrange for another tray, or I could go to the galley and make her some chicken noodle soup. She decided that she would like the soup.

She began to cry. She told me that her only son had died, she had lost her husband recently and that this was her first Christmas alone. We gave each other a hug, and I sat and listened to her.

Shared from the Sacred Stories Archive – Originally Published December 8, 2021

Question for Reflection

When was the last time you “looked through the eyes of another” and gained a renewed sense of empathy?

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If you have experienced God’s healing presence in your work, and are considering submitting a Sacred Story, please review our Sacred Story Guidelines and online submission form.

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“As you know, we treated each one of you as a father treats his children.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:11

The glorious Christmas holiday was approaching. I was the charge nurse on a medical/surgical unit during a particularly challenging shift. Two team members approached me, and upon hearing what

We had a pediatric patient, Timothy, who was gravely ill and could not talk. But his smile and bright eyes rewarded our caring efforts and strengthened the bond we developed with him. We discussed the situation with Timothy’s mother; to cheer him, special Christmas decorations were placed in his room. We worked with our facility team to ensure this was safe, and acquired permission from the CEO, which he did not hesitate to give.

Timothy’s family and the nursing team were ecstatic when they heard the news.

In our hospital, we send cards to individuals who make extra efforts to meet patient needs. When I suggested we send one to our CEO, the nursing team was in complete agreement, and thanked him for making a little boy’s Christmas special. Later, the CEO told me it was the first time he had received a gratitude card, and it brought tears to his eyes and joy to his heart.

That was Timothy’s last Christmas on Earth. The joy he brought to his family and the nursing team will never be forgotten, nor will the impact he had on a chief executive officer. Mission-driven holistic patient care is truly a collaborative effort.

Shared From the Sacred Stories Archive

Questions for Reflection

Has there been a time when you considered and requested an exception on behalf of a patient? What was the impact of that choice?

The CEO was moved by the formal recognition he received. How can you show appreciation to your leaders when they go above and beyond?

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Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. – Hebrews 13:2

I have been a nurse for over three decades. I believe I make a difference in the lives of my patients and their families. I have many stories, but one in particular is very dear to my heart.

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to work with a teenage boy, Josh. He was involved in a motor vehicle accident and sustained a traumatic brain injury. When Josh was admitted to rehabilitation, he was very confused and agitated, with an extremely short attention span. His parents were loving, caring and supportive.

As he went through rehabilitation, I was concerned that many of the deficits caused by Josh’s injury might not be resolved, and that his recovery would require many years. Josh was so young, and his journey had barely begun.

Months went by. One day, I received a letter with an invitation to Josh’s graduation. In the letter, he thanked me for everything I had done for him. I remembered what his parents said to me on the day of his discharge from rehabilitation: “This has been the hardest thing we have had to do and we hope that no one else ever has to endure this, but if they do we hope that you will be there to help them on their journey to recovery.” Josh still had cognitive deficits, and my heart was heavy because I knew he might never fully recover.

Years went by. Then, last Christmas, a young man approached me and asked if I remembered him. “What’s your name?” I asked. He handed me a card that read “Officer Joshua Jones.” My mouth fell open. I hugged him tightly and told him how proud I was of him. With tears in his eyes, he said, “I couldn’t have made it this far without your help. I think of you and your words of encouragement often. Thank you so much.” This, I thought, is the best Christmas gift I could have received.

Every day, nurses care for the sick, and it can be difficult work. It is much easier to heal bruised skin than bruised souls, but through compassion, laughter and hugs we can make a big difference in a patient’s recovery. My heart is filled with the many thanks I have received from patients and by these simple words: “I’m glad you’re my nurse today.”

Shared From the Sacred Stories Archive

Questions for Reflection

We send many patients home with heavy hearts, not knowing what the final outcome will be. Are you carrying particular patients in your heart even now?

What’s the best advice you can offer to a caregiver whose heart is heavy? What has been helpful to you at times like this author describes?

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Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back. – Luke 6:38

Our local outreach program’s Christmas project reminds us of what Christmas is really about. We are thankful for the opportunity to shine God’s light and love on those in our communities who are less fortunate.

Being part of the outreach program hardly feels like a job most of the time, as we minister to people’s pastoral, social and nutritional needs. In December, we turn into elves who provide Christmas to needy families. Each year, departments from our facilities generously provide gifts, food and clothing. We consider our experiences to be a precious gift, with memories we will never forget.

One year, when the economy was in a downturn, we had more individuals and families to serve than ever before. A number of our departments not only gave gifts, but helped deliver them.

The Department of Surgery delivered gifts to a family some distance out of town. The mother drove to meet them in a compact car, assuming she would receive a couple of packages to store in her car trunk until Christmas. When she saw a truck that was absolutely loaded with gifts and food, she was overjoyed. She hugged everyone and cried.

To resolve the storage issue, the staff took the gifts to the home of the woman’s sister-in-law. A nephew, age 15, came out and helped carry presents into the house for safekeeping. As the staff left, the young man hugged and thanked everyone for the wonderful Christmas gifts for his cousins. Never did he indicate that he was sad or disappointed that none of the gifts were for him.

After returning to the hospital, the surgical staff shared their story. Upon hearing of the kindness of the nephew, three nurses donated gift cards, allowing us to purchase gifts for him: a winter coat, an electronic game and a gift card with his name on it. When these gifts were delivered a few days later, he was surprised and grateful to receive his own Christmas gifts.

The faces of those served will never be forgotten. We pray they saw Jesus in the staff’s generosity and in their faces when they were allowed to share the true meaning of Christmas: the gift of love and of serving others.

Shared From the Sacred Stories Archive

Questions for Reflection

Reflect on a time when you have been part of a collective outreach. What was the group able to accomplish that you could not have done alone?

In what ways can your team reach out to those in need in your community?

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Oh, only for so short a while you have loaned us to each other,…

I was summoned to the emergency department to be with a patient and his family. Terry was an elderly Native American man who lived on an American Indian Reservation near our facility. Terry had cancer that had metastasized throughout his vital organs, and his condition became worse very suddenly.

Family members were gathering when the spiritual leader of his Native American faith community arrived. The medical staff quietly moved out of the trauma room as the family—his spouse, grandchildren, children, cousins and friends—gathered around the dying elder. Terry was on the threshold between this world and the next, with family there to help in his crossing.

As Terry lay on the gurney, the spiritual leader stood next to him and said, “We are here to sing for you.” He began to ring a handbell he had brought with him in a steady cadence, for all to sing by. He led us as we sang songs in the Native American way. Then he said, “We have sung three songs of healing: one for the body, one for the heart, and one for the life. Now the floor is open.” This meant anyone was welcome to give a tribute to the dying elder, or even ask for forgiveness from him. Actually, anything could be spoken that would help Terry on his journey.

This pattern continued: a song sung, a word of support given. At times, Terry’s heart would slow and weaken, the monitor barely detecting it. At other moments, during a song or in response to the words of a child or friend, his heart would quicken.

Time passed, yet time was no more because we all stood at the portal of the eternal. During this time, the staff continued to work quietly around the family. Even if the staff members weren’t familiar with the religious beliefs and customs of Terry and his family, they respected and honored the family’s need to say goodbye.

After about two hours, Terry’s soul let go of his body and moved on. We sang one last song, and then the leader directed me to cover Terry’s body with a blanket, for his life was no longer with us. His family filed quietly from the room.

Leaving the room, I marveled at the beauty of Terry’s death; the witness of young and old assisting the elder’s journey. What a wonderful way for him to take the last few steps from this world into the next, being honored and supported as he returned to his creator.

Terry and I do not share a common faith, but I would want to have a death like his, with true reverence and my family by my side.

Shared From the Sacred Stories Archive

Questions for Reflection

How do you create space which allows those you care for to freely engage in their spiritual practices?

What would you like your death to look like, and have you shared your wishes with your loved ones?

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“[the blind beggar shouted] “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and said,”Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him,”Take heart; rise, he is calling you.”-Mark 10:49

“He’s sleeping,” I thought to myself as I peeked into the room. “Don’t bother him.” But I realized I was simply hesitant to go in. I had been told that this elderly gentleman didn’t respond much to others, and when he did, he was confused. So, what did I think I could accomplish?

“Mr. C.?” I asked quietly from the door. After a moment, I heard a soft, “Yes?”

I introduced myself, and the visit plodded along until Mr. C. shared that he had been in the military.

“What branch?” I asked.

“Army Air Corps,” he replied.

I responded with a smile, “World War II pilot?”

He nodded, looked up at me, and his stunning blue eyes were suddenly clear. “Bomber pilot.”

For the next half hour, Colonel C. came alive, sharing stories of air raids over Germany, including an incident in which his squadron was attacked by the Luftwaffe. All appeared to be lost as the smaller, faster German planes attacked the slow-moving bombers. Then, out of nowhere came the “Red Tails” —the Tuskegee Airmen—who saved the day.

Finally he paused and apologized, saying, “I’m sorry, you’re probably not interested in all that old stuff.”

“Oh, I am,” I said. “My father served in the Army in Burma during World War II. He just never wanted to talk about it.”

“Cavalry?” he asked. “All I know is that he was in ordnance,” I said. In the minutes that followed, I learned more about what my father did during the war than I had ever known before. The colonel explained the conditions my father worked in, the danger he faced, and the courage needed to do what he did: bomb disposal. It was as if the colonel knew my dad better than I did.

The colonel appeared to tire, so I reluctantly brought our visit to a close. “Thank you, Colonel. It was a pleasure and an honor to spend time with you,” I said. He began to cry, and when I expressed concern, he said, “Do you know how long it’s been since someone called me Colonel?”

As a chaplain, I know that visits are supposed to be about the patient. But that day, I think both patient and chaplain were blessed. I got to know my father better, and Mr. C. was Colonel C. again, at least for a little while.

Shared From the Sacred Stories Archive

Questions for Reflection

In what ways have you tried to establish rapport with those you serve? What was the effect on them when you were successful?

How can you get better at making a human connection with others?

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“Nobody escapes being wounded. We are all wounded people. When our wounds cease to be a source of shame, and become a source of healing, we have become wounded healers.” – Henri Nouwen, Catholic priest/writer/theologian (1932-1996)

One day when I was working on the medical/surgical floor, I had a patient who was battling cancer. She was scared of what was ahead of her. When her family was present, she kept a brave and positive outlook. But it was just her and me that day, and she was having a hard day.

I have had stage four cancer and went through chemotherapy and radiation. Cancer gives one a new outlook on life, and on being a nurse. God has a purpose for everything in life, and I know God put me in this patient’s path to bring her hope. I shared my story of surviving cancer with her.

The relationship that blossomed after that was amazing. She told me she felt she had to be strong for her family and friends, but she felt so alone. She cried as we talked about the trials of cancer. I was able to give her hope. I felt blessed to be the person she was able to talk to. I felt the Holy Spirit guiding me to help her deal with the emotions of having cancer. She kept saying, “You know how it feels to go through this. I feel like I can cry around you, and you will understand.”

I have come to know that whatever happens is in God’s plan. I can offer cancer patients hope because I have learned to rely on God to get through difficult times. As I reflect, I now understand that cancer has turned out to be one of God’s biggest blessings in my life.

Shared From the Sacred Stories Archive

Questions for Reflection

Can you think of a time when you experienced adversity that later proved to be a blessing, either for you or for someone else?

How does that help you think differently about things you may have been going through lately?

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