A Norvell Note for June 7, 2021
Vol. 24 No. 22
Reversed Roles
I am experiencing an interesting reversal of roles. For most of my adult life, my role in life has been to help people. I have tried to help people know and live for God, encourage men to be better disciples of Jesus. I have been attempting to coach husbands and fathers. I have counseled couples and parents. And I have provided spiritual support for people as they go through traumatic life events. That’s what I do; that’s who I am.
My current job as a hospice chaplain involves being present with families as they walk through the dark valley of death. Often that simply means providing a physical presence, listening ears, and a gentle touch.
I have made phone calls, sent notes, letters, texts, emails, and FaceTime and Zoom call to express my concern and love from a long distance to remind the person on the other end that they are not alone, and help is available if needed. I have sat with people, prayed with and for them, done my best to listen more than I speak, and avoided making insensitive and condescending comments.
Now, the role seems reversed. I am the one receiving phone calls, emails, text messages, cards and notes, sympathetic embraces, and tearful conversations. Our family is in need, and compassionate and loving people are meeting those needs.
These reversed roles remind me of words I have used to help others.
It’s okay to ask for help. Asking for help does not mean you are a failure. It means you are human.
When you let others help you, you allow them to receive the blessing of serving you.
When you get through this, you’ll be able to use this experience to help someone else.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3-7, NIV)
Thank you.
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