Emphasis Preaching Journal

Maybe you have experienced it before yourself -- the dilemma of the disciples. You notice someone in the department store who is different from you. How could you not notice? One ear is missing and that side of his face is sadly distorted. And you begin to wonder. What happened to him? Was he born that way? Was he burned? Did someone hurt him? Did an illness cause this? Diana is a hospital chaplain, assigned to the ICU and the rehabilitation floor. She is a compassionate listener, who often goes the extra mile to get to know families and their needs, as well as the patients and theirs. The ICU nursing staff deeply appreciate Diana, because she takes the time needed to reach out to the families in crisis -- time the nurses don't have. But Diana's real gifts are with the patients involved in rehabilitation. Diana's self-sufficiency, her love for life, and her acceptance of her own limitations are powerful messages to the patients and their families. Even though Diana uses a wheelchair and walks short distances, with great difficulty, with leg braces and crutches, her willingness to share her life and her love with God's people reveals God's glory. Although the patients may want to know Diana's medical history, what they really want to know is how she regained the fullness of life. And in that victory, the glory of God is revealed! -- Spencer