Healing

Michael J. Readinger

Accidents happen. Some are natural disasters as seen in recent floods, tornadoes and earthquakes. Some are brought on by terrorists or criminals where innocent people become victims of horrific acts. Some are accidents that happen in a split second of being in the wrong place at the wrong time or making a foolish choice.

That is what happened to me recently as I experienced a life-altering accident while working in my yard at home. I will survive that injury. I will heal. But my life will be forever altered as a result. I am much more fortunate than many in the U.S., Italy and throughout the Middle East.

That got me thinking about healing. UCC-related CHHSM member ministries provide just that every single day. Acute care settings respond to people in crisis as a result of misfortune. Affordable housing ministries provide safe, secure places to live. Child and family service organizations treat our youth and their families in times of severe hurt and great need. Shelter care agencies provide temporary services that heal broken lives. Our UCC disaster ministries offer hope in the form of relief aid and services across the globe. All of this work is done to sustain and advance the healing ministry in the name of this great United Church of Christ.

We give thanks and praise to all those who work in these areas, all those who support this work financially and all those whose visionary views of social justice created these ministries.

In Jeremiah’s scripture passage, we are reminded that the balm of healing takes many forms but is offered to all who need it (“Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of my poor people not been restored?” – Jeremiah 8:22).

Be present to accept the healing and be open to be a part of the healing for others. That is what is at the root of servant leadership and it is the foundation of the health and human service ministries of the church.

My accident was unfortunate, but it was a wake up call to be more careful in the future and to appreciate the good work being done in the world to provide healing to those in need. I am blessed to be healing, to be in a place where I have good health insurance and to remember how important the ministries of the church are to so many.