How Does Christ’s Love Work?

As you can tell from these posts, I am pretty confused these days.  I have been repeatedly placed in a psychiatric ward, yet I can count on one hand the visits from my fellow church members.  Sure, I was unable to communicate with other people outside, but I know that others knew I was in.  My husband was able to share that information with others and did.

 Maybe it is just a characteristic of New England, where I live, but visiting people in the hospital seems like an afterthought.  Having spent weeks inside, I can tell you that nothing would have helped my healing more than a visit would have.  I’ve been told that it is inconvenient for people to do, that there are too many needs for all to get visited.  I think that this is justification.  There is a NEED, and not just in the psych. Ward.  Those with extended illness need to be remembered, and yes, this often includes those who suffer with psychiatric illnesses.

 Jesus visited the ill. He looked after each of them.  We need to do the same.  I have had confirmed in my soul my purpose in this life. I will get well and I will serve others with the same illnesses as myself.  It is the only reason I can find in having this illness.  Christ has given me a heart for others in the same situation.

 Now I need to learn HOW to serve in this capacity.  I want to alleviate suffering, not make it worse.  I have never felt so COMPELLED to do something in my life.  Patience in learning how to achieve this purpose is going to be my most difficult task.  In the meantime, if I know of a friend who is in the hospital, I will do everything in my power to visit.

 Because few things are as powerful medicine as the touch of a friend’s hand or a hug from a loved one. Each of us is capable of delivering this, no special qualification is required.  No skills are needed.