ON STANDING

Awkward, embarrassed, feeling overly obvious, are the uncomfortable feelings I’ve experienced when standing for something that isn’t what the crowd stands for. As a child, I was taught to keep the peace, agree with and accept others as much as possible.

If I hadn’t gotten to know Wisdom (as explained in last blog), standing alone would have caused unbearable inner conflict. Studying the person of Wisdom in Psalms and Proverbs gave me better understanding of Wisdom’s benefits when applying truth to real life.

Baby steps. Standing on small truths without being obnoxious, helped me to practice being different without too much inner conflict even though conflict was caused with others.

In my 30’s, I was convicted of the importance of eating healthy and exercising. Those were the days of almost no organics available and trans-fats in most everything. I took a fair amount of teasing from family and friends about my odd eating habits. No worry, Wisdom kept reassuring that my better choices would bring good outcomes later in life.

So by my 40’s, I had some successful practice in standing somewhat alone on not so mainstream principles with faith and courage there would be a good outcome. Wisdom then presented a greater challenge giving greater opportunity to practice faith and courage.

Our Hospice team members met every 2 weeks to discuss the care of patients and their caregivers. It was a very beneficial time of supporting one another through suggestions, encouragement, and opportunity to share frustrations and grief. Without occasion to share the tough situations encountered, personal burn out in Hospice work can be a reality.

Upon reflecting on the potential emotional drain of Hospice work, several of us decided it might be a good idea to have a quick voluntary prayer prior to the meeting asking for help with specific challenging cases and comfort for those who had experienced a recent death.

This uplifting practice went on for several years until leadership from the main office came to visit our team meeting. We were told to stop praying as a team. Being the clinical manager of the office, I checked with legal authorities and learned that as long as the prayer was voluntary, not on company time and not part of the meeting, it was legal to continue.

With my personal internal conflict off the charts, I consulted Wisdom and was impressed to stand. Eventually, I was called to see the CEO who also kindly asked we stop the practice of prayer in our office prior to team meeting. I reviewed with her the legal rights our team was standing on to continue praying. I reassured her this was not a matter of rebellion but of promoting team health and patient care.

We never heard another word from those in authority. Several years later I resigned and moved away, eventually returning and being rehired 8 years later. I was pleasantly surprised to learn the team still prayed prior to meeting, Wisdom was faithful.

Standing has often felt lonely and painful, but I believe has produced present and eternal benefits. On Wisdom my solid rock I stand, all other ground becomes sinking sand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leave a Reply

Scroll to Top
Scroll to Top