Only one life, ‘twill soon be past; Only what’s done in Christ will last.
Every believer is a witness whether he wants to be or not.
“I am only one, but I am one; I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do I ought to do, and what I ought to do, by God's grace, I will do.”
Spiritual care
All people have spiritual or religious needs. Pastoral Care at Hospitals works with the patients, family members and staff to address both.
Spiritual needs and concerns usually relate to what we call the “big” question of life.
Why is this happening?
Why is it happening to me?
What does it mean?
How do I make sense of everything?
How do I feel about changes in my life?
What gives me comfort and hope?
What do I call “good” in my life?
What do I call “bad”?
What am I grateful for?
What do I trust?
Who do I trust?
Who is my “beloved community”?
Who loves me and is loved by me, no matter what?
What or who, beyond myself, do I believe is import in my life?
All of these questions relate to spiritual needs, concerns and resources. All people as these questions during their lives, especially when they or someone they love are sick or in crisis. Some people find meaning, comfort, hope, goodness and community through their religious practice, beliefs and or community of faith. Some people do not. Regardless of whether religious faith is a part of a person’s life, spiritual concerns, resources and needs can still be very important, especially during hospitalization.
Spiritual Resources
Spiritual resources are practices, beliefs, objects and or relationships that people often turn to for help in time of crisis or concern.
Some spiritual resources include.
Music
Prayer
Mediation
Family and friends
Religious Leaders
Priest, Rabbi, Imam
Supportive communities
Church, Synagogue, other support groups
Holy Writings/scripture
Bible – Torah – Qur’an
Inspirational Writings
Poetry, Devotional Materials, Prayer Books
Religion-specific items
Sabbath menorah, rosary beads, devotional pictures, prayer rug
Sacramental practices
Communion, Anointing
These resources can help people return to a sense of balance when their lives have been turned upside down. They can help people sort out the “big” questions in order to find meaning, comfort, hope, goodness and community in the midst of a crisis. Its important to remember that they are in crisis and it’s a time for listening and comforting. God knows and He has a plan.
Spiritual Needs and Resources
There have been numerous studies conducted over the past 50 years that show a person’s health and well-being benefits when his or her spiritual needs are addressed. Shorter Hospital Stay
Improved pain management
Improved experience of their stay
Improved motivation to complete the tasks of healing
Improved management of cardiovascular needs (heart rate, blood pressure)
Improved sense of wellbeing.
If you would like to talk with someone about your spiritual needs or resources, or simply connect with someone who is ready to listen to your concerns with empathy and support, all you have to do is ask one of your care givers, that you what like to speak with someone in Pastoral Care or a Chaplain. All Hospitals have them.
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