Welcome to the Chaplain's Corner
December 2011
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
Most of us have had some kind of unforgettable moments in our lives. I would like to share one with you. Recently, my husband, his sister and I were taking a break at a Starbuck’s/Target location. We were approached by a group of young people. One of the young ladies touched my husband’s shoulder and asked if he was in pain. He answered that he was dealing at that time with back pain and had trouble walking. He also told her he had just completed radiation for lung cancer . The young lady, a junior in high school, introduced herself and the three others with her. She explained that they were members of a local church, and they were seeking out individuals to share their support and love with them. It was so refreshing to listen to each of them; smiling and talking unashamedly about how important it is know and believe that God had honored them with the opportunity to reach out to others.
After visiting about ten minutes, the young lady asked if they could pray with us before leaving. Each of them laid their hands on my husband, prayed for relief from the pain he was experiencing, and for the radiation therapy to be successful. My husband commented that we were very fortunate to share this time with them, especially since all three of us had dealt with cancer. We thanked them and they left us, but returned shortly and gave me a book . “Encouraging Words for Women”.
Why was my husband chosen, when there were other tables in use and customers at the counter? We have discussed it many times, and shared this with others. Even more surprising,; going home later, my husband commented that his back was no longer hurting, after several days of relying on pain medication to get through the day! A rather unique experience and an unforgettable moment. We are reminded that even though our world is going through a lot of unrest at this time, there are still moments of fresh air!
May God Bless You
Mildred Parker
GCSC Chaplain
August 2011
BELIEF – An Everyday Creed
I believe in my job. It may not be a very important job, but it is mine. Furthermore, it is God’s job for me. He has a purpose in my life in His plan for the world’s progress. No other person can take my place. It isn’t a big place, but I have been molded to fill a peculiar niche in the world’s work. I could take no other person’s place. He has the same opportunity as I have. In the end a person whose name was never heard beyond the house in which he lived, may have a larger place than the person whose name has been a household word on two continents. Yes, I believe in my job. May it be kept true to the task that lies before me-true to myself and to God, who entrusted me with it.
I believe in my fellow-man. He may not always agree with me; I myself do not believe some of the things I was absolutely sure of a dozen years ago. May he never lose faith in himself, because he may lose faith in me, and that would hurt him more than it would hurt me.
I believe in my country. I believe in because it is made up of my fellow-men and myself. I can’t go back on either of us and be true to my creed. If it isn’t the best country in the world it is partly because I am not the kind of person I should be.
I believe in my home. It isn’t a rich home. It wouldn’t satisfy some folks, but it contains jewels which cannot be found in the markets of the world. When I enter its secret chambers, and shut out the world with its cares, I am in charge. There is no other spot in all the world which fills its place, and heaven can only be a larger home, with a Father who is all-wise, patient and tender.
I believe in today. It is all that I possess. The past is of value only as it can make the life of today fuller and freer. There is no assurance of tomorrow. I must make good today!
Source: Leaves of Gold
Charles Stelzle