Tell me your story

Illnesses, especially infections, concern the majority of us.  Currently, there is global concern about the coronavirus.    

Our bodies are made to combat illnesses, each and every day, through the immune system in our bodies. Our skin protects us from organisms entering our body.  Most contagious illnesses enter our bodies through our mouths, noses, and eyes.  In addition, we each have a role to play to prevent contagious illnesses through healthy lifestyles.  

Throughout history, illnesses have been painful, inconvenient, costly, and deadly. Illnesses cause suffering and hardship. As humans, we have always sought healing from our illnesses.  Family members and caregivers often advocate for those that are ill to try to get them help. 

Biblically, a father in the crowd around Jesus cried “Teacher, I brought you my son who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of his speech.”  

Mark 9:17

“Tell me the story”, Jesus said to the despondent father (Mark 9:14-20).  ‘Tell me how long has your son suffered.  Tell me how long your own heart has been breaking. Tell me.” Jesus knew there was healing in telling the story and to have somebody to listen with concern and compassion. Truly, Jesus did not need to hear the details. But the father needed to speak and tell the story. 

We may not be able to stop all diseases.  We may not be able to heal each person.  But we can always listen to them, as Jesus listened to this father. 

Could you please help somebody by listening?  Listening seems to be a passive activity and a lost art in our society.  Listening shows compassion.  Listening shows concern and love.  Listening demonstrates God’s love for the person, through you.  

I find it interesting, that hearing has been shown in research to be the last sense lost when a person is dying. But we tend not to listen attentively to those around us. Then, we don’t know how, or we don’t feel comfortable, listening to those in the deepest, darkest areas of suffering. 

We listen to so many things in this world. We listen to music, podcasts, news, television shows, and movies. But why don’t we stop and listen to somebody tell their story?

Therapeutic listening is a skill and takes practice.  But you can start today by being with somebody and listening to their story. Therapeutic listening does not have a goal.  It does not have the intention to resolve the situation. I have had clients that I provide nursing care to say “could you stay just a little longer.” Therapeutic listening is being present.

In the meantime, Jesus is the ultimate healer in the past and in our modern world.  Healing miracles do happen.  I have been blessed to witness amazing healing miracles in both of my children during major medical issues.