Worship and Arts by Young

My parents’ commitment to putting God first and sharing Christ’s love shaped who I am–being recognized as a gentle and passionate leader. The following is a compilation of the selected accounts of my experience at St. Mary’s Hospital:

After attempting a suicide, a staff came to me through a referral from another staff. I was able to help her by listening with heart and without judgement, allowing her to verbalize her circumstances, asking right questions, and reminding her that she was made in the image of God. After that visit, she said, “I feel alive. I’m doing much better. I’ve started journaling. Can I see you when I feel distressed?” She found a new way of living her life.   

A 55-year-old man was surprised at himself when he found himself sharing his emotional and spiritual concerns with me. He was suffering from depression due to having his foot amputated, job loss, and family dynamics. He also had a difficult time accepting his religion’s practices. I was able to invite him to verbalize his feelings and emotions. He appreciated my visit saying, “Usually, I don’t talk with people because I am in depression. You helped me lessen my anxiety greatly.”

 My visit with a 22-year old Catholic patient was very meaningful. I was able to invite her to open up her emotional pain, even though she said, “I’m fine” in her initial response. She was struggling to find reasons for her suffering as she underwent several surgeries on her knee. I mentioned Holy Saturday when Jesus’ disciples experienced the absence and silence of God between the Cross and the Resurrection. She said, “That’s exactly how I feel right now. Thank you for helping me to express my emotions.” At the end of my visit, she gave me her precious coin that had the following inscription on it: “With God, all things are possible.” The coin might have been a hope for her to cling onto.

I offered a Morning Prayer from “Prayer for a Pandemic.” One of line from the prayer said, “May we who have the luxury of working from home, remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent.” That morning, one EVS worker thanked me for the prayer, saying “I cried.”   

On one occasion, a patent’s daughter could not believe her mother’s declining health. I coordinated a family zoom meeting, showing the patient and patient’s room. It helped the daughter accept the medical team’s advice for comfort care. I encouraged her to share memories and express her love for the patient could still listen in spite of her inability to speak.

During the pandemic, I understood the amount of pressure and fear the staff faced, especially in May and June. As a token of solidarity and support, I gave out “peace stones” with the following inscription: “During times of stress, worry or prayer, hold the stone in the palm of your hand; you might feel calmer or be relieved of anxiety.” The small gift was received well-beyond my imagination. It became a tool to connect with one another. Some even asked me for another stone as they gave it to their patient or loved ones.

I have been prophetic in speaking up for the medical staff. I shared the medical staff’s wish with my colleagues that they needed to hear prayers more often. I also spoke that our chaplains’ presence would be a tremendous comfort for the medical staff because it shows that pastoral care has not abandoned them in these uncertain and unprecedented times.

I have also become a mediator when conflicts arose between staff chaplains. I was not wishy washy, but understood their perspectives. I recognized their reason or emotions underlying their arguments and then encouraged them to see the other people’s perspective—cultural humility and competence.

I found myself being used as God’s instrument by walking alongside with those who are undergoing the most difficult of times and the most joyous of moments. Inspired by St. Teresa of Avila, I would like to reveal God’s healing presence, becoming His hands and feet since “Christ has no body on earth now.”