House of Pain

Each day sitting in the hospital waiting room, I have witnessed a great equalizer---pain! It doesn't matter your style of dress or whether or not you wear a tattoo, or what name is on your church building! Pain is the same for everyone. Some people handle it differently. Some cry, some become angry, and some just sit in quietness. But no matter how it's handled, inside it is still painful.

Some of the stories end in victory, others in agony and still others in death. The staff rolls them in and out. People with heart problems, lung problems, car accidents, and the pain goes on and on.

Lots of things are interesting about watching all of these situations. Being in pain myself has added a "real" twist to it. I know that in ministry we strive to feel what others are going through and to a great degree we can. The word says, "Weep with those who weep" and because of close relationships, we can easily do that. But there is a different dynamic being a part of the crowd who is hurting--a crowd of people whom I do not know.

In one way, this situation makes it easier to minister. When people know that you are suffering, there is a sense of community that is unique. Not once when offering a prayer for these fellow "hurting" have any of them refused. It was received with tears and a wish back that my dad would do well. And in every case, comfort was felt and received. Tears subsided and empathy was felt. Sounds a lot like "bear one another's burdens" to me. In fact that is exactly what it is.

Sometimes I think that church becomes sterile to the whole concept of bearing burdens. One reason might be that we don't spend enough "everyday life" together. When we see one another outside a "church" environment, it is difficult to build the kind of relationships that naturally occur when we spend more time together. I think that church becomes something we "have" to do rather than something that is a natural everyday event.

God calls the church a "family." (Galatians 6:10 NCV) "When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it. But we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers." I pray that we will continue to be the kind of community of believers who reach out to one another and hold one another up in times of trouble and enjoy the love that we share in times free of pain. When people see us do this, they will know that we have been with Jesus and they too will begin to center their lives in Jesus!

I know in my case, I have received so much encouragement from my church family, blog family, and my own family. It is a wonderful feeling and one that others in the world need so badly.