Showing posts with label Special Needs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Special Needs. Show all posts
Sunday, February 23, 2020
Prejudice: Is it you?
Prejudice: Is it you?
Judy L Gates, MSN, BC, CWS, FACCWS
Daily we are confronted with situations or people that can be difficult to manage due to prejudice. It includes a bias or judgement related to lifestyle, economy, ability, looks, race, speech, beliefs, and the list goes on. I am speaking of our prejudice, nurses and healthcare workers, not theirs. We roll our eyes out loud, clear our throats often, sigh deeply, tap fingers or pens. Perhaps find many reasons not to enter the room, always have a call to take, you know the drill. So much of our communication is ongoing even when our lips are closed. Patients aren’t dumb, they have used the same strategies perhaps themselves. The one thing they know for sure is, you don’t want to care for them.
Now it does not imply you are a bad person or don’t care, though it could appear that way. But it does mean patients or their families are neglected. They are in the hospital, away from their routine, friends, comfort. They are completely vulnerable. They can’t get medicine when they hurt, get up to a chair so they can eat. That takes you! They may need help to take a walk or go to the restroom, from you. Can you imagine if it was you that needed this help? Your parent or child?
Let’s consider this scenario....
A 24 year old man, was admitted for pneumonia. He was not cooperative with breathing treatments, throwing the mask at the therapist. He yelled for the nurse constantly. He was thirsty, hungry, wanted help with the tv. He complained of headaches. His dad would stay with him most of the time. If no one came in he would go looking for a nurse to help his son.
No one wanted this patient, too needy, yelling and he would hang on to your hand forever if you went in.
It’s your first day back and so you are getting this patient. Everyone smirks and winks at each other. You’re not dumb either! So you straighten up, take a deep breath and walk in. After your assessment you come out and there is no yelling, no nurse button, no dad chasing you down. The entire day is peaceful. Everyone wants to know your secret.
What do you think?
The answer was simple, ‘I talked to him and held his hand’. Mic drop!
You see, she walked in and left all the stories and ‘trash talk’ at the door. She cleared the white board, if you will, and met him with a smile. Dad noted that she was the first nurse to walk in with a smile and actually talk TO his son or hold his hand. Full on eye contact! After helping him find his favorite show, getting food ready and listening to his joke she waved goodbye and went to her next patient.
So the rest of the story, David (the 24 year old) had Down syndrome. He couldn’t speak very well but liked to! He told jokes that didn’t make sense, but he still found them very funny. He loved Barney and Sponge Bob. He loved pizza and chips and diet pop. When he was afraid and didn’t understand things he would become angry, cry and throw things. His dad had watched nurses and healthcare providers avoid, dismiss or talk around his son. For many they weren’t comfortable as they had never been around someone with disabilities. For others they would get frustrated being hovered over by the dad.
Could this be you? Have you seen it, or done it? What can you do to help your patient or you have a better experience? Here are a few suggestions:
Avoid the subjective stuff from others
Walk in with a clean slate for the shift
Smile, and don’t be afraid to hold hands
Laugh even when it is not funny
Include the patient in every conversation
Treat each patient the same as your favorite person
Change, by example, the culture one nurse and one patient at a time
As the parent of an adult with special needs and a 44 year healthcare career in my pocket I can tell you I have seen it. I fear it will happen to my son! I want to know that when he is afraid, sick, can’t be understood, can’t find his show that someone (any one of you) will take that extra 5 to help him. Make time, in the midst of the rapid pace, to take 5 for any patient or family that needs reassurance, compassion, a hand held. The reward is great for you and priceless for that individual! You can make a difference, one encounter at a time!!
‘To the world you are only one person, but to one person you may be the world!’ Bill Wilson
JLG 5.31.18
Judy L Gates, MSN, BC, CWS, FACCWS
Daily we are confronted with situations or people that can be difficult to manage due to prejudice. It includes a bias or judgement related to lifestyle, economy, ability, looks, race, speech, beliefs, and the list goes on. I am speaking of our prejudice, nurses and healthcare workers, not theirs. We roll our eyes out loud, clear our throats often, sigh deeply, tap fingers or pens. Perhaps find many reasons not to enter the room, always have a call to take, you know the drill. So much of our communication is ongoing even when our lips are closed. Patients aren’t dumb, they have used the same strategies perhaps themselves. The one thing they know for sure is, you don’t want to care for them.
Now it does not imply you are a bad person or don’t care, though it could appear that way. But it does mean patients or their families are neglected. They are in the hospital, away from their routine, friends, comfort. They are completely vulnerable. They can’t get medicine when they hurt, get up to a chair so they can eat. That takes you! They may need help to take a walk or go to the restroom, from you. Can you imagine if it was you that needed this help? Your parent or child?
Let’s consider this scenario....
A 24 year old man, was admitted for pneumonia. He was not cooperative with breathing treatments, throwing the mask at the therapist. He yelled for the nurse constantly. He was thirsty, hungry, wanted help with the tv. He complained of headaches. His dad would stay with him most of the time. If no one came in he would go looking for a nurse to help his son.
No one wanted this patient, too needy, yelling and he would hang on to your hand forever if you went in.
It’s your first day back and so you are getting this patient. Everyone smirks and winks at each other. You’re not dumb either! So you straighten up, take a deep breath and walk in. After your assessment you come out and there is no yelling, no nurse button, no dad chasing you down. The entire day is peaceful. Everyone wants to know your secret.
What do you think?
The answer was simple, ‘I talked to him and held his hand’. Mic drop!
You see, she walked in and left all the stories and ‘trash talk’ at the door. She cleared the white board, if you will, and met him with a smile. Dad noted that she was the first nurse to walk in with a smile and actually talk TO his son or hold his hand. Full on eye contact! After helping him find his favorite show, getting food ready and listening to his joke she waved goodbye and went to her next patient.
So the rest of the story, David (the 24 year old) had Down syndrome. He couldn’t speak very well but liked to! He told jokes that didn’t make sense, but he still found them very funny. He loved Barney and Sponge Bob. He loved pizza and chips and diet pop. When he was afraid and didn’t understand things he would become angry, cry and throw things. His dad had watched nurses and healthcare providers avoid, dismiss or talk around his son. For many they weren’t comfortable as they had never been around someone with disabilities. For others they would get frustrated being hovered over by the dad.
Could this be you? Have you seen it, or done it? What can you do to help your patient or you have a better experience? Here are a few suggestions:
Avoid the subjective stuff from others
Walk in with a clean slate for the shift
Smile, and don’t be afraid to hold hands
Laugh even when it is not funny
Include the patient in every conversation
Treat each patient the same as your favorite person
Change, by example, the culture one nurse and one patient at a time
As the parent of an adult with special needs and a 44 year healthcare career in my pocket I can tell you I have seen it. I fear it will happen to my son! I want to know that when he is afraid, sick, can’t be understood, can’t find his show that someone (any one of you) will take that extra 5 to help him. Make time, in the midst of the rapid pace, to take 5 for any patient or family that needs reassurance, compassion, a hand held. The reward is great for you and priceless for that individual! You can make a difference, one encounter at a time!!
‘To the world you are only one person, but to one person you may be the world!’ Bill Wilson
JLG 5.31.18
World Peace
World Peace
I grew up in the Cleaver family. That is what I always tell folks. We had the mom who cleaned while wearing a skirt and heals and a father who wore a suit practically everywhere. We dressed up for Sundays and holidays. We took family trips in the car, laughed a lot and left drool stains on the seat. There were three kids and we did not quarrel. How is that possible some ask. I honestly can’t say other than we genuinely liked each other and if anything, there were always some baked goods that solved any threat of a dispute. It certainly was not the view I found in other homes, families or the world.
I spent decades thinking of world peace as an unattainable goal. Though it was elusive I recently discovered it can be found right here on this planet. In all my wandering and human interactions is was nearly impossible to imagine it could really exist outside small, intimate groups. It is certainly not seen on the evening news, in the slur of opposing candidates, in the disparity in religion, in the hateful crime against humanity. But then I found it, buried in plain sight in a stadium holding thousands.
I had never noticed how negative some people could be until I was surrounded by only kindness. As a nurse you would expect kindness to be the norm of healthcare but indeed, it can be anything but that in the experiences faced daily. Angry patients, family or doctors is just a pimple in the complexion of ill will that can be seen in a hospital. I have had patients punch me, try to choke me, try to choke others, throw furniture and so much more. Granted some hard issues are faced but please and thank you should not be impacted in the course of the human experience.
My observation of human nature and or behaviors increased in sensitivity with the birth of a special needs child. I had been aware of many disparate responses to those with disabilities in my career prior to the birth of my son. I worked in several settings caring for special needs children and adults. I had seen and reacted to quite a few irreverent individuals in contact with my charges much like a mamma bear and her cubs. With my sons arrival those defensive instincts magnified exponentially.
In controlled safe spaces I found a compassionate and supportive network. Teachers, providers, aides, other families all who could see what I wanted to or hoped for. They pointed out things that I did not see in his ability and progress while helping me accept his current developmental accomplishments. But when walking down the grocery store aisle some eyes stared, people whispered, even Santa rolled his eyes. It was clear not everyone saw the beautiful boy I did. So I stayed close to the family of forever friends we were collecting along the way.
After many years I discovered what I long hoped for which is genuine world peace, found in the hearts and minds of a community who see all as friends, equals despite color, country or party. I had seen it in fleeting moments though it quickly vanished, like the sunrise, in the face of naysayers. I have imagined that if only these amazing people, these champions for goodwill could be seen as global ambassadors the uninspired would be able to see each other through very different eyes. I do believe unconditionally, perspective is everything.
I have watched some icons of this world walk away, around or into these beacons of joy while mocking them for their lack of. Lack of money, work, words, skill, ability. Yet this beautiful sea of smiles and hugs sees past that hurt and anger, embracing everyone they can. It is not that these people don't know that others are being mean, it is that it doesn't really matter. Though they might experience hurt feelings it often quickly dissolves any cruelty intended by giving back something that frankly, others don't deserve. This unified team operates out of grace and mercy.
This world peace happened in LA of all places. Riddled with crime, history, gang violence and tragedy a fresh wind momentarily cleared the smog. Who would have thought that was possible. It happened at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games. There were 7000 athletes from 170 countries with 30,000 volunteers and twice as many supporters. And there was joy. While I was whining about the heat and long lines, they stood patiently. While I wanted to sit down they waited full of excitement, in the presence of their friends, whether they knew them or not. I blamed, slurred, criticized while my son stood quietly. I apologized and he forgave me. "It's alright mom, I love you!" I scanned the crowd and it was evident, if anyone was cranky it was not the athletes or their peers. He reached up, hugged me and reassured me, it would be alright if I just take a deep breath and count to ten. I sighed deeply and knew he was right.
I met large groups gathering for the games in two of the host cities, our group entertained them with dance. The teams danced with us or stood by us or held our hands or sat near us. They celebrated, they smiled, laughed, hugged, helped each other though complete strangers. They spoke different languages, had varied abilities or ‘difabilities’ as our friend Tim Shriver says. World peace happened at the games and I am still full of humility and tears. It was a glimpse of what I think God intended when he put humans on the planet and I wait with anticipation to live in that state of joy again. I am certain God smiled at this international love fest at the games.
I have been that mom who wants to tell anyone who will listen everything her son has accomplished. I have even spent money to have the first two years of my sons life moved from VHS to digital and I discovered the most remarkable thing. What I saw, what I now realize I forced my loved ones to endure.....nothing. Hours of an adorable baby dressed in a variety of adorable clothes doing absolutely nothing. But wow he sure could do it well, smiling the entire time. Now as an adult he has eclipsed my wildest dreams and made me incredibly proud every day. He is my world peace. He demonstrates everyday the patience, kindness, charity and joy that I saw at those games. I stand in awe at times that I get to be his mom.
He has been surrounded by amazing family, friends, teachers, mentors and absolute strangers who have watched him grow, who see his actions, who admire his kindness. When I was surrounded by all of those glowing faces it became clear that world peace can happen. I saw it first hand with a stadium full of people who looked at others as if they all matter. There was competition, there were winners and losers, but there were only cheers for friends whether they won or lost. It simply didn’t matter. I would give anything to see that again. And because I saw it once I have a dream, a hope that I will see it again.
jlg 11/26/18 (c) submitted University of Oxford
I grew up in the Cleaver family. That is what I always tell folks. We had the mom who cleaned while wearing a skirt and heals and a father who wore a suit practically everywhere. We dressed up for Sundays and holidays. We took family trips in the car, laughed a lot and left drool stains on the seat. There were three kids and we did not quarrel. How is that possible some ask. I honestly can’t say other than we genuinely liked each other and if anything, there were always some baked goods that solved any threat of a dispute. It certainly was not the view I found in other homes, families or the world.
I spent decades thinking of world peace as an unattainable goal. Though it was elusive I recently discovered it can be found right here on this planet. In all my wandering and human interactions is was nearly impossible to imagine it could really exist outside small, intimate groups. It is certainly not seen on the evening news, in the slur of opposing candidates, in the disparity in religion, in the hateful crime against humanity. But then I found it, buried in plain sight in a stadium holding thousands.
I had never noticed how negative some people could be until I was surrounded by only kindness. As a nurse you would expect kindness to be the norm of healthcare but indeed, it can be anything but that in the experiences faced daily. Angry patients, family or doctors is just a pimple in the complexion of ill will that can be seen in a hospital. I have had patients punch me, try to choke me, try to choke others, throw furniture and so much more. Granted some hard issues are faced but please and thank you should not be impacted in the course of the human experience.
My observation of human nature and or behaviors increased in sensitivity with the birth of a special needs child. I had been aware of many disparate responses to those with disabilities in my career prior to the birth of my son. I worked in several settings caring for special needs children and adults. I had seen and reacted to quite a few irreverent individuals in contact with my charges much like a mamma bear and her cubs. With my sons arrival those defensive instincts magnified exponentially.
In controlled safe spaces I found a compassionate and supportive network. Teachers, providers, aides, other families all who could see what I wanted to or hoped for. They pointed out things that I did not see in his ability and progress while helping me accept his current developmental accomplishments. But when walking down the grocery store aisle some eyes stared, people whispered, even Santa rolled his eyes. It was clear not everyone saw the beautiful boy I did. So I stayed close to the family of forever friends we were collecting along the way.
After many years I discovered what I long hoped for which is genuine world peace, found in the hearts and minds of a community who see all as friends, equals despite color, country or party. I had seen it in fleeting moments though it quickly vanished, like the sunrise, in the face of naysayers. I have imagined that if only these amazing people, these champions for goodwill could be seen as global ambassadors the uninspired would be able to see each other through very different eyes. I do believe unconditionally, perspective is everything.
I have watched some icons of this world walk away, around or into these beacons of joy while mocking them for their lack of. Lack of money, work, words, skill, ability. Yet this beautiful sea of smiles and hugs sees past that hurt and anger, embracing everyone they can. It is not that these people don't know that others are being mean, it is that it doesn't really matter. Though they might experience hurt feelings it often quickly dissolves any cruelty intended by giving back something that frankly, others don't deserve. This unified team operates out of grace and mercy.
This world peace happened in LA of all places. Riddled with crime, history, gang violence and tragedy a fresh wind momentarily cleared the smog. Who would have thought that was possible. It happened at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games. There were 7000 athletes from 170 countries with 30,000 volunteers and twice as many supporters. And there was joy. While I was whining about the heat and long lines, they stood patiently. While I wanted to sit down they waited full of excitement, in the presence of their friends, whether they knew them or not. I blamed, slurred, criticized while my son stood quietly. I apologized and he forgave me. "It's alright mom, I love you!" I scanned the crowd and it was evident, if anyone was cranky it was not the athletes or their peers. He reached up, hugged me and reassured me, it would be alright if I just take a deep breath and count to ten. I sighed deeply and knew he was right.
I met large groups gathering for the games in two of the host cities, our group entertained them with dance. The teams danced with us or stood by us or held our hands or sat near us. They celebrated, they smiled, laughed, hugged, helped each other though complete strangers. They spoke different languages, had varied abilities or ‘difabilities’ as our friend Tim Shriver says. World peace happened at the games and I am still full of humility and tears. It was a glimpse of what I think God intended when he put humans on the planet and I wait with anticipation to live in that state of joy again. I am certain God smiled at this international love fest at the games.
I have been that mom who wants to tell anyone who will listen everything her son has accomplished. I have even spent money to have the first two years of my sons life moved from VHS to digital and I discovered the most remarkable thing. What I saw, what I now realize I forced my loved ones to endure.....nothing. Hours of an adorable baby dressed in a variety of adorable clothes doing absolutely nothing. But wow he sure could do it well, smiling the entire time. Now as an adult he has eclipsed my wildest dreams and made me incredibly proud every day. He is my world peace. He demonstrates everyday the patience, kindness, charity and joy that I saw at those games. I stand in awe at times that I get to be his mom.
He has been surrounded by amazing family, friends, teachers, mentors and absolute strangers who have watched him grow, who see his actions, who admire his kindness. When I was surrounded by all of those glowing faces it became clear that world peace can happen. I saw it first hand with a stadium full of people who looked at others as if they all matter. There was competition, there were winners and losers, but there were only cheers for friends whether they won or lost. It simply didn’t matter. I would give anything to see that again. And because I saw it once I have a dream, a hope that I will see it again.
jlg 11/26/18 (c) submitted University of Oxford
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Monday, August 17, 2015
My Dreams Realized 100 Times
It is always a very different reality for our family than most may imagine. We have a special (needs) son. I was young once, dreamt of 100 children and being the epitome of the perfect mom serving gourmet meals and sewing matching clothes. Yes, I really had these visions, but remember I had a southern mother who grew up doing this with her Mama for her family and I wanted to do this too. It was a secret of course as it would have taken all of the fun out of my rebellious years if she knew I wanted to be like her.
But one thing has been true in my life, I have No Clue what to expect, planned or unplanned. No control. Sigh! I leave that to the Author. So for me I take the day as it is presented and move that way. So for me, a wonderful husband and a single child who is forced to fulfill my dreams for 100! I say forced lightly as I believe he has dreams for 100 lives so it is a good fit! His world is neither predictable nor dull. He lives for the adventure, could get that from me just sayin.
So we spent the first dozen years discovering him. What makes him tic, favorite characters, songs, clothes, foods, colors and things to do. It was clear, for example, that I was going to share my every waking hour with a purple dinosaur, having 100 songs stuck in my head ready to sing at the drop of a hat. On a positive note by 5 he had learned colors, numbers, days of the week, please and thank you. And that was just the beginning.
We also spent that same dozen years living on the edge of anxiety, up all night, illness, treatments, hospitalizations, emergency rooms, insanity a 100 times telling the same story and having the same tests where I sang the same songs to calm the same precious child with a 100 lives.
It would be a random fact that drove me to the doctors and tests and discoveries that moved us to the second act. Yes my life is a play, or possibly a good movie. In this half we have poured our every drop of energy into making up time leaving no tape behind. Crafts or costumes created almost daily with cardboard, pipe cleaners and tape. As a matter of fact if you ask him what he needs from the store, tape is usually on the list twice. The bleary eyes of days gone by are replaced by eyes that sparkle with imagination, details and inventions.
See it, make it, watch it, act it! We have drums, guitars, a full Oklahoma and Outer Space wardrobe, and art lining the walls of my house. Each creation enters the living room whether in hand or grabber and is presented with full description of the artists work. And it is then taped up on display. Marvelous. Who needs the Smithsonian, I have Master Gates.
Sports, not his favorite always but always willing. And when he won he did it big. Football with a pass and a touch down, basketball with a score in his game as well as in an adjacent game, track running alone or with the entire unified partners and AZ Cardinals mascot. Cheer leading and bowling and bocci and soccer (wore the uniform well). No matter what it was he liked to be present even if he did it 'his way'.
And that creative talent knows no limits. He loves to dance. ballet, hip hop, remix, Up Town Funk and so much more. And do musical ballets, productions. Sign language with or without music, ASL, BSL or GSL (his own language). Karate and photography (he is excellent actually) and art and costume design and story writing and story telling! It is amazing.
It is as if 100 talents have been given to one young man with 100 ideas a day. I am blessed. I never tire of his mind and love to live with and through him. When this gig started 19 years ago I thought how blessed I was 'even though'.....shame on my unbelief. There is no lack to the fulfillment of my dream. And as long as I can be in the plays, or make the costumes, or wear the tutu, or scream loudly at his performance or cry with joy or post a zillion pictures, I am good with my 1 in a 100 gift. I have more than I dreamed of loving every minute and looking forward to the next 100 grand adventures.
But one thing has been true in my life, I have No Clue what to expect, planned or unplanned. No control. Sigh! I leave that to the Author. So for me I take the day as it is presented and move that way. So for me, a wonderful husband and a single child who is forced to fulfill my dreams for 100! I say forced lightly as I believe he has dreams for 100 lives so it is a good fit! His world is neither predictable nor dull. He lives for the adventure, could get that from me just sayin.
So we spent the first dozen years discovering him. What makes him tic, favorite characters, songs, clothes, foods, colors and things to do. It was clear, for example, that I was going to share my every waking hour with a purple dinosaur, having 100 songs stuck in my head ready to sing at the drop of a hat. On a positive note by 5 he had learned colors, numbers, days of the week, please and thank you. And that was just the beginning.
We also spent that same dozen years living on the edge of anxiety, up all night, illness, treatments, hospitalizations, emergency rooms, insanity a 100 times telling the same story and having the same tests where I sang the same songs to calm the same precious child with a 100 lives.
It would be a random fact that drove me to the doctors and tests and discoveries that moved us to the second act. Yes my life is a play, or possibly a good movie. In this half we have poured our every drop of energy into making up time leaving no tape behind. Crafts or costumes created almost daily with cardboard, pipe cleaners and tape. As a matter of fact if you ask him what he needs from the store, tape is usually on the list twice. The bleary eyes of days gone by are replaced by eyes that sparkle with imagination, details and inventions.
See it, make it, watch it, act it! We have drums, guitars, a full Oklahoma and Outer Space wardrobe, and art lining the walls of my house. Each creation enters the living room whether in hand or grabber and is presented with full description of the artists work. And it is then taped up on display. Marvelous. Who needs the Smithsonian, I have Master Gates.
Sports, not his favorite always but always willing. And when he won he did it big. Football with a pass and a touch down, basketball with a score in his game as well as in an adjacent game, track running alone or with the entire unified partners and AZ Cardinals mascot. Cheer leading and bowling and bocci and soccer (wore the uniform well). No matter what it was he liked to be present even if he did it 'his way'.
And that creative talent knows no limits. He loves to dance. ballet, hip hop, remix, Up Town Funk and so much more. And do musical ballets, productions. Sign language with or without music, ASL, BSL or GSL (his own language). Karate and photography (he is excellent actually) and art and costume design and story writing and story telling! It is amazing.
It is as if 100 talents have been given to one young man with 100 ideas a day. I am blessed. I never tire of his mind and love to live with and through him. When this gig started 19 years ago I thought how blessed I was 'even though'.....shame on my unbelief. There is no lack to the fulfillment of my dream. And as long as I can be in the plays, or make the costumes, or wear the tutu, or scream loudly at his performance or cry with joy or post a zillion pictures, I am good with my 1 in a 100 gift. I have more than I dreamed of loving every minute and looking forward to the next 100 grand adventures.
Monday, April 6, 2015
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Insecurity
Oh yeah baby, I got it. I know all things are clearly under the control of the creator of the universe, master creator of the human body, creator of the hot fudge sundae. But this is my kid we are talking about. Is He able, prepared, does He have any idea what is going on?
Don't answer that. I am certain you are preparing for a serious fast and prayer for my soul.We need an intervention! You are thinking how can anyone who trusts God, Father of ALL, Ruler of Everything be even remotely concerned about her son. How could it be? Doesn't she trust Him? Doesn't she believe?!!
Well of course I do. BUT!!! I am sure I have seen a zillion scriptures that have to do with the 'but', but I just have to find it. I am sure that God loves me in all circumstances including my anxiety, BUT! I know He has the perfect, designer road map, BUT! I am positive, beyond doubt that He has considered every single need, BUT! I am NOT alone in the land of 'but'! It is a crowded resort, not really a restful place, but a noisy chaotic foggy destination. I have probably seen some of you there. There is only one way out of this hotel. Lets discuss the facts.
You thought evil against me BUT GOD meant it for good ....Genesis 50:20
BUT The Lord thy God turned the curse into blessing...... Deuteronomy 23:5
Saul, the enemy, sought him out BUT GOD did not deliver him to the enemy......1 Samuel 23:14
No need to be worried or afraid, the battle is not yours BUT GODS......2 Chronicles 20:15
My flesh and heart may fail BUT GOD is my strength and portion ......Psalm 73:26
Enemy is all around, BUT GOD is my defense and my rock! psalm 94:21-22
Grass and Flowers die BUT GOD'S WORD lives FOREVER ?...Isaiah 40:8
But there IS a GOD!......Daniel 2:27-28
But with GOD all things are possible....Matthew 19:26
BUT GOD knows the heart ....Luke 16:15
BUT GOD gives His love to us BEFORE we ask ....Romans 5:7-8
We deserve death BUT GOD gives eternal promise. .....Romans 6:23
BUT for the GRACE of GOD go I a fool chosen ..... 1 Corinthians: 1:26-27
BUT GOD is faithful!..... 1 Corinthians 10:13
But, but, but! Sigh, I must confess He created life, He fed 1000's on a few fish an loaves, He rained Quail on stubborn Israelites, He taught a simple man to build an ark, He healed a leper, drove demons out of a boy, loved a sinful woman, called small children. He loves so much more than my simple, narrow visioned, human, mother eyes can see. Why HE loves my son more than ME!
It is clear that while I am here fretting over the unknown, He is on the other side of life waiving us in. HE has already 'proofed' the map and is prepared to walk us to the other side. As Cody so classically tells me, "Mom, you are a little upset. Just count to ten, take a deep breath and calm down!" So when you pass by me it is most likely true that you will hear me sighing deeply, often, as I implement my therapeutic intervention so skillfully taught to me by the one I most desire to protect. Calm down, take a chill, it's all good.
Amy Quinn Trust My Love
He is not afraid. He is excited. He is looking forward to the next adventure. He is planning for his day job and his super hero night job. He has a plan and He is ready. Sigh!! I am going to be ready, I promise. But, I believe that even if I leave all that misdirected energy in a closet I will need lots of loving reminders and Kleenex to get there.
But if I wait upon The Lord, if I hope in The Lord, I shall have renewed strength; I shall mount up with wings as Eagles; I shall run and not be weary; I shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 But if I will trust in His unfailing love I will rejoice......because He has rescued me! Psalm 13: 5-6
Sigh.....ok
Don't answer that. I am certain you are preparing for a serious fast and prayer for my soul.We need an intervention! You are thinking how can anyone who trusts God, Father of ALL, Ruler of Everything be even remotely concerned about her son. How could it be? Doesn't she trust Him? Doesn't she believe?!!
Well of course I do. BUT!!! I am sure I have seen a zillion scriptures that have to do with the 'but', but I just have to find it. I am sure that God loves me in all circumstances including my anxiety, BUT! I know He has the perfect, designer road map, BUT! I am positive, beyond doubt that He has considered every single need, BUT! I am NOT alone in the land of 'but'! It is a crowded resort, not really a restful place, but a noisy chaotic foggy destination. I have probably seen some of you there. There is only one way out of this hotel. Lets discuss the facts.
You thought evil against me BUT GOD meant it for good ....Genesis 50:20
BUT The Lord thy God turned the curse into blessing...... Deuteronomy 23:5
Saul, the enemy, sought him out BUT GOD did not deliver him to the enemy......1 Samuel 23:14
No need to be worried or afraid, the battle is not yours BUT GODS......2 Chronicles 20:15
My flesh and heart may fail BUT GOD is my strength and portion ......Psalm 73:26
Enemy is all around, BUT GOD is my defense and my rock! psalm 94:21-22
Grass and Flowers die BUT GOD'S WORD lives FOREVER ?...Isaiah 40:8
But there IS a GOD!......Daniel 2:27-28
But with GOD all things are possible....Matthew 19:26
BUT GOD knows the heart ....Luke 16:15
BUT GOD gives His love to us BEFORE we ask ....Romans 5:7-8
We deserve death BUT GOD gives eternal promise. .....Romans 6:23
BUT for the GRACE of GOD go I a fool chosen ..... 1 Corinthians: 1:26-27
BUT GOD is faithful!..... 1 Corinthians 10:13
But, but, but! Sigh, I must confess He created life, He fed 1000's on a few fish an loaves, He rained Quail on stubborn Israelites, He taught a simple man to build an ark, He healed a leper, drove demons out of a boy, loved a sinful woman, called small children. He loves so much more than my simple, narrow visioned, human, mother eyes can see. Why HE loves my son more than ME!
It is clear that while I am here fretting over the unknown, He is on the other side of life waiving us in. HE has already 'proofed' the map and is prepared to walk us to the other side. As Cody so classically tells me, "Mom, you are a little upset. Just count to ten, take a deep breath and calm down!" So when you pass by me it is most likely true that you will hear me sighing deeply, often, as I implement my therapeutic intervention so skillfully taught to me by the one I most desire to protect. Calm down, take a chill, it's all good.
Amy Quinn Trust My Love
He is not afraid. He is excited. He is looking forward to the next adventure. He is planning for his day job and his super hero night job. He has a plan and He is ready. Sigh!! I am going to be ready, I promise. But, I believe that even if I leave all that misdirected energy in a closet I will need lots of loving reminders and Kleenex to get there.
But if I wait upon The Lord, if I hope in The Lord, I shall have renewed strength; I shall mount up with wings as Eagles; I shall run and not be weary; I shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 But if I will trust in His unfailing love I will rejoice......because He has rescued me! Psalm 13: 5-6
Sigh.....ok
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Awareness
So lets consider a few of these just to challenge or entertain you. That lottery ticket for example. You have probably been in line behind someone 'shopping' for their tickets. "Oh please, just pick one!" you have said, if not out loud in your head. I am sure it could be heard as it leaked out your glaring eyes. BUT what if that was you and your $5 and you were desperately trying to win so you could pay some bills, buy a house big enough for the ten kids or even retire? What if it was you who scratched off those magic silver spots to see the winning wheelie dealies or numbers? Would that be OK then? Would it make it a little easier to be patient thinking that it could be you? Perhaps then a little delay in line is not the worst thing.
That fall off the curb, OY! I have done that any number of times. The best story however is my best, a 'sympathy' fall, that's right SYMPATHY. Well some grace, natural clumsiness, massive distraction but sympathy was in there somewhere. You see I was trying to impress my new employee with a tour of the campus and some entertaining conversation while running some errands. As we walked between buildings on this cute little curved sidewalk, I was telling her my thoughts about people who take twenty minutes to pick their lottery tickets while at the counter. I noticed two ladies walking up a straight sidewalk when suddenly the one tripped and headed for ground. As if by entering some strange 'black hole' I stepped OFF the sidewalk, falling forward and back onto the edge of that cute little curved sidewalk. Bad sidewalk, BAD! As I turned my head to the right I could see the 1st sidewalk victim stand, dust her ego off and continue her walk into the building. I on the other hand did not fair so well. I stood, realizing I left a perfectly good pair of lip prints on the pavement and in taking that next step apparently had left a knee imprint as well. Over the next several minutes of trying to 'be cool' I became so impaired by pain and teary laughter that I had to go to occupational health. You guessed it, broke that knee cap I did. And no they did not figure that out at Occupational health, silly you. It would be many many days before I would see a real doctor, get a real xray and plan for surgery. I would not have seen the fall and recovery which led to my ultimate demise had I not been delayed at the store. Yup, and had I been paying attention, I would have stopped walking (normal people would do that), assisting the lady who fell and gotten on with my business. But I was more engrossed in my own delightful thoughts and conversation to notice what was going on around me.
And while we are at it, car accidents. Have you driven by a terrible accident, cars all mangled, ambulances everywhere, cell phones competing for airwaves? A minute earlier and that could have been you! You were spared, have you ever recognized that? That lady that drove you nuts in the store taking an extra five minutes to pick her lottery tickets delayed you so you missed the distracted teen who ran the red light and caused the accident. It could have been you! Suddenly now you want to go find the lady who made you stand in line and ask her to forgive you for your mean thoughts.
When we focus on our own world, thoughts, needs, issues, we totally miss the world around us. We miss the Hand that pushes forward or pulls us back at different points of each and every day. We are oblivious to the steps we take and the zillion missed opportunities because we are only worried about ourselves. I have heard people say it, usually joking, that it's 'All about Me'. Truth is, it is not at all about me. It is so much bigger than me. I am the speck in the big painting of life. I have no real idea what significance my life will have in the final portrait or the impact I will have in the lives around me. But what I am certain of is that if I do not pay attention, if I am not aware of the world around me, I am going to miss what matters most. I am going to miss opportunity. I am going to miss giving or receiving blessing. I must be intentional, eyes focused on that world around me, on the matters at hand.
What is it that you are overlooking? Who is it that needs your attention? What opportunities do you have to make a difference in the lives of those you pass by? Start now. When you see the tear in your nylon or the massive pimple on your nose, remind yourself, you are in Mighty Hands. Change your gaze. Look out, around or up! Make the most of every moment and be aware!!
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