Medic!

I love old war movies. I always took some comfort from those battle scenes where someone shouted for a "Medic!" The medic was not engaged in the battle but was the one who would ease the pain, bind the wounds, speak words of comfort and bring a level of experience that assured those he served that he was qualified to help out in a really scary time.

We're in a battle now. Yes, it’s a battle. But, it’s more a battle against fear and anxiety than any virus that may come along. “Social distancing, shelter in place, quarantined, etc.” Some new phrases and some familiar ones have entered our lexicon and/or taken on new and sober meanings. It would be easy for many of us to feel overwhelmed, to feel anxious or even a little helpless. But, if we look around us, there are good reasons to be hopeful and ways to experience things that can be incredibly encouraging. For the church, we are presented, every day, with golden opportunities to reflect the gospel to those around us, to be the medics in the middle of the battle. We're qualified to minister comfort, bind up wounds and bring peace.

How can we do that while being isolated?

First, let's be practical. We should be careful about going out and we should try to avoid close contact with others. There’s nothing to be gained by proving to others how brave we are, none of us are invulnerable. So, we keep our distance, don’t venture out unless necessary, yet try to find ways to make others more important than ourselves—even as we keep our distance. This is a challenge for sure. 

But, there are people on the front lines of this battle who have an impossible time maintaining distance. They're engaged in a heated exchange with the enemy and are in close quarters combat every day. We can be the medics in the middle of that battle ministering love and hope to the wounded, tired and bleeding.  

These warriors have become opportunities to show thanks and exhibit grace. It’s comforting to know that I can go to the hospital or doctor’s office and be greeted by folks who will care for me, just as they always have. First responders continue to respond, despite the risk. Police, firemen, highway patrol—all remaining vigilant, protecting, helping to hold our community together. We should be thankful for them and be sure to thank them at every opportunity. Post your gratefulness on social media. Send a note or a card to the hospital, sheriff’s office or police station. Put a small thank you in your mailbox for the postal worker who’s still delivering your mail. Let these folks know you’re praying for them.

Another less-heralded group is those who are manning the supermarkets. They’re on duty every day, many of them working long hours in an unceasing and thankless effort to keep the shelves stocked and answer the same questions countless times while keeping a smile on their faces.

Try this the next time you go out, if you choose to go out. Thank the person behind the counter, the one who greets you, the one stocking the shelves, roaming the aisles, sweeping the floor. Thank them for simply being there. Offer to pray for them or let them know you will. Watch what it does for them. Then see what it does in your heart as you serve them while they’re serving you.

God has given us these golden opportunities to be light in the darkness. Let’s live the gospel as we stay home. But, whether we're in our homes or out there, let's grab our bag of medicines and tools and begin being what we're called to be. Let’s fight despair with hope, grace and the love of Christ. It’s our calling. Those around us need it and we do as well.