First off, wonderful news: Tracie's little granddaughter, Rainy, is improving. She suddenly turned a corner and had regained significant ground. The tentative plan is to keep her in the hospital for the next ten days so they can complete her round of antibiotics, make sure she isn't forming more abdominal abcesses, and then to do surgery to resituate her brain shunt. For a little girl, that's a tall order. Tracie asked me to thank you all for your prayers.
Way back in the Dark Ages when I went through Nursing School, Medical Science recognized patients were biological beings with psychological and social aspects. (BioPsychoSocial) The Christian college I attended added an additional aspect: the spiritual. It was unique; "Quaint" as one doctor opined.
Rainy bounced back. Maybe not as high. But we live in the comforting knowledge that some day, she'll bounce as high as heaven.
I'd like to thank you for your prayers, too. I underwent extensive testing this past week, and this next week I'll find out if I've been selected to attend the Pain Control Program.
Way back in the Dark Ages when I went through Nursing School, Medical Science recognized patients were biological beings with psychological and social aspects. (BioPsychoSocial) The Christian college I attended added an additional aspect: the spiritual. It was unique; "Quaint" as one doctor opined.
Medicine now acknowledges the power in prayer. Patients with an active faith life weather difficulties with more grace. They enjoy wider support systems. Suddenly, faith isn't "quaint." It's a component that deserves attention, fostering, and respect. Amidst the questions posed to me this past week, some revolved around the importance of faith in my life. I loved it! I can be a BioPsychoSocial wreck, but the spiritual part is going strong.
Rainy bounced back. Maybe not as high. But we live in the comforting knowledge that some day, she'll bounce as high as heaven.
Whatever pattern our lives take, we are not captured in a maze. Faith carries with it a resilience. We are not immune from life's difficulties or challenges; but Christians are designed to bounce.
Love and prayers,
Cathy
Cathy
First of all, I will be sending up some more prayers for everyone! And secondly, I love this post! I'm in a "BioPsychoSocialSpiritual" Clinical Psychology program, and one of the most interesting things that I have noticed during my beginnings as a therapist is that when someone is hurting in the spiritual realm, it can negatively impact the other three areas. It just shows how important it is to live your faith!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Thanks Cathy for the update about Rainey! Thank you Jesus!
ReplyDeleteAnd please know that I am praying for you as well. Your post is very true. We are "BioPsychoSocialSpiritual" beings and one area DOES affect the other. I did not realize how much stress I was under during my husband's long illness and also during the grieving process after he passed. I was trying to be upbeat all the time and exemplify to others how strong my faith was even through the trial. THEN my hair began to fall out, I began to have what I now know as mild panic attacks and heart palpitations.
I have since learned and still learning by the way, that I have to take care of every area of my life (and body) and trust the Lord to take care of ALL of me.
Take care and know that you are loved, not just for your fabulous books, but for YOU!
Praying,
Veronica
Praise the Lord for little Rainy's improvement!!! And continued prayers for that precious child and all her family. ~ Also praying for you, Cathy--and I LOVED your post today--WOW!! ~ Last summer when I underwent my spinal surgeries, some serious complications developed on the 3rd (and what was supposed to be the last) surgical procedure. I am CONVINCED that due to the prayers of soooo many folks, the 4th surgery (the following week) was a huge success! ~ I realize the Lord ALWAYS knows best and has a plan, but I cannot help but think that He smiles when our prayers reach His ears. ~ Hugs, Patti Jo :)
ReplyDeleteMiranda, it's thrilling to know a strong believer with excellent training will be available to give wise counsel! God bless you with wisdom and discernment as you care for your clients.
ReplyDeleteVeronica, you really struck a chord. We recently lost my father, and my mom is standing strong in faith--but beneath it all, grief takes a toll. I appreciate how you learned...and keep having to learn...the need to take care of each area of life. It's a balancing act, so it's wonderful to know God has it all in control when we can't!
And PattiJo, I remember when you had your surgeries. You endured so much, and it is thrilling to see how far God has brought you!
I got an email from Tracie and Jim late in the evening. They'd dropped everything to get to Rainy's bedside. With her stablized, they'll need to drive back to MT so he can start winterizing their place and still get to ACFW. Please hold them up to Jesus for traveling mercies.
Love you all, my dear sisters!
Cathy