Shut Up and Pray
Most of my job doesn't include interaction with our members. I have quality team members who enter into the "day to day" with our people. If someone is coming into my office it is probably not for a good reason. Our members know that too. So when they show up at my door, I offer them a seat (bench or therapy chair)...and ask how they are doing. It's usually a simple one liner - "good" to which I respond "really good, or kinda good? Tell me more." That somewhat breaks the ice until I am able to ask, "can you tell me what's going on so I don't have to guess?"
What follows are parts of people's stories I have never heard, current struggles and fears, things people are anticipating. Often times at the end I am left with very few words, or at least none that will do any good. So I listen (shut up) and then I ask if I can pray.
Some verses came to mind this morning so I am going to share those, and then ask that you join me in prayer:
"Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.[a] He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone."
Titus 3: 3-7
Father, I have the incredible opportunity to see and hear some of people's most vulnerable moments. Those moments are terribly difficult at times, gut wrenching and downright unbelievable. Yet, you see (have seen) them all. You know each of us, intimately. You know what we need in this moment and you also know how that need will be met, and when...may we find comfort in that. Father, so many people are looking for peace, and I am going to go a step further and say contentment. May we tire ourselves out attempting to attain it in other ways, until we realize that can only be found in you. Lord, when we want to speak, or "fix" would you nudge us to come to you. To speak with you and uplift our brother or sister to YOU. The only one who really can fix any and everything anyways. Thanks for your patience as we figure it out.
Amen, Ash
Sometimes listening (shut to the up - in my Madea voice) and praying is the best way to go.
