he Power of Connection Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross tells a story about a woman she encountered when she was writing her ground breaking book, On Death and Dying. Part of Dr. Kubler-Ross’ research involved interviewing dying patients in the hospital, trying to find out how they felt and what they thought as they faced death. As she went from room to room in the hospital, she began to notice a remarkable pattern. Sometimes she would go into a dying person’s room and the person would be calm, at peace, and tranquil. She also began to notice that often this was after the patient’s room had been cleaned by a certain hospital orderly. One day, Dr. Kubler-Ross happened to run into this orderly in the hospital corridor. The doctor asked her, “What are you doing with my patients?” The orderly thought she was being reprimanded and responded, “I’m not doing anything with your patients.” “No, no. It’s a good thing,” corrected Kubler-Ross. “After you go into their rooms, they seem at peace. What are you doing with my patients?” “I just talk to them,” the orderly said. “You know, I’ve had two babies of my own die on my lap. But God never abandoned me. I tell them that. I tell them that they aren’t alone, that God is with them, and that they don’t have to be afraid.” It is amazing to me how powerful our stories can be. When we are open enough share our own loss and heartache with others - something deep happens - a connection is made. And, when we are able to talk about how God’s presence carried us through, we give the gift of hope. Let us pray: Gracious God, we remember today that out of the ashes of despair can rise the seeds of hope, new life, and new possibilities. As we have experienced your grace, so may we share it with others. Meet each of us now in this moment and fill us with your peace. Amen.
Posted on: Tue, 09 Jul 2013 13:42:35 +0000
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