Good Book

I recently finished a book called "Caring for those in Crisis - Facing Ethical Dilemmas with Patients and Families." the book is written by Kenneth P. Mottram. It has a forward by Eugene H. Peterson.

The book is written by a hospital chaplain who has walked with many families through just about every ethical dilemma one might face. He looks at different ones and examines each of them in a case study format to look at options that were available and what was chosen and follows up on them.

When i did my chaplain report for the month I recommended to others that they look into this book and maybe even do an advance training on the material in the book. I think every pastor needs to read this. It is a great guide for them in doing hospital ministry. Every case is different. But a good foundation is always essential in helping.

It also helps you look at the perspective of everyone involved in a case. The doctor, the nurse, the insurance billing people, various family members, the organ donation group.....Until you deal intimately with someone in these cases you would not know all the dynamics involved.

Any who, it is a very informative book.

Engage 21

I just finished listening to Dennis McGuire speak at the Engage 21 conference. What a great message. I love the way he reached into his pocket and pulled out keys and tossed them in the audience as symbol of empowering those who were listening to the message. I love listening to Bro. McGuire. He seems to be a no nonsense, straight talking guy.

Mi Vido Loco

It has been a while since I have entered the blogosphere. Since our last chat, I have taken my first level test with the "Church of by God." You can tell I did not grow up in this group. I flunked the part about the history and polity. I had to be tutored through this. Oh well, not that it really matters. As I learned from the rest of the time I was scampering about, how some bishop at some level on some committee has no bearing on what I really do.

All last week I spent with a family that suffered a tragic loss of an 18 year old wife, daughter and friend. She was injured in a car wreck and suffered a terrible brain injury. It was a very sad week. Yes she was a Christian so we know she is with the Lord.

How some committee member gets elected to some position does not matter to me. That council member "making decisions" is not going to sit in the floor and cry with a young man making the decisions to turn off life support. That executive is not going to crawl into a bloody wrecked car and try to find items of sentimental value to a survivor.

I am not seeking congrats, kudos, or any reward. I am simply expressing what I would rather be doing. I see myself as a pastor and not an executive. I enjoy doing life (the good and the bad) with people.