One of the awkward things about being in the ER is that each small claustrophobic bed-space is separated only by a thin fabric curtain from the adjacent space.
Hence … the occupant in the adjacent bed (only a couple feet away), as well as their loved ones with them, can clearly hear everything going on in your small, curtained space. And you, likewise, can hear everything going on in their area.
Needless to say, it is a distinctly awkward feeling knowing they are listening to all medical proceedings going on on your side of the curtain. And it is likewise every bit as awkward overhearing all medical information being discussed on their side of the curtain.
It is in this situation that the doctor came in to see the new occupant who had just arrived in the adjacent bed on the other side of the thin curtain.
For some reason the doctor hadn’t bothered to get clarification on “pronouns” when meeting with us on our side of the curtain. Such a thought about “correct pronouns” had never even crossed our minds. These things were clearly obvious and common sense.
So it took me by surprise when the doctor consulting on the other side of the thin fabric curtain made a specific point to inquire about “pronouns.” On that side of the curtain this obviously was a matter of importance. And it took me by surprise yet again when the occupant in the adjacent bed informed that the “correct pronouns” to use were “he/her.”
Exactly a year ago, in January 2023, hubby and I were in a situation where we were subjected each evening to an unpleasant hour-long gripe-session from a highly religious individual.
The company where this highly-religious individual worked was not godly enough … therefore much criticism was leveled against it! The boss and manager were disparaged … because they were of a different religious persuasion. Co-workers were ceaselessly gossiped about and mocked. Customers and clients were continually slandered.
As I sat on the other side of the thin fabric curtain in the ER (unwittingly overhearing the conversation next door), I couldn’t help but think of the highly-religious individual who could only slander, gossip, gripe, criticize, and complain about absolutely everyone … because they weren’t “godly enough.”
While on the other side of the thin fabric curtain in the ER a doctor was showing kindness, respect, and compassion to the patient … no matter the moral choices.
I don’t even know if the doctor was a follower of Jesus.
But in that moment, that doctor who was showing respect, kindness, and compassion was a greater example of what love was … far more than the highly-religious individual.
What is love?
What does love look like?
It’s showing respect, kindness, and compassion no matter the moral choices.
In Matthew 25:34-40 Jesus gives a picture of what love looks like: “I was sick and you looked after me …”
The doctors and nurses who care for desperately sick people in the ER are heroes! I have such appreciation and deep respect for them!
The ER is a place where all people come … from all walks of life, and all moral persuasions. And the doctors and nurses treat everyone with respect, kindness, and compassion … no matter the moral choices or difference. Because when you are weak and sick, that’s when you need compassion, kindness, and respect the most!
This right here is what love looks like!
