I am the LORD, your God,
who grasp your right hand;
It is I who say to you, “Fear not,
I will help you.”
For anyone who has been to a hospital as massive and expansive as Tata memorial hospital, Mumbai.. will realise what I imply! It is not the structure or the numerous maze like buildings ( which is every hospital) but the crowd that throngs the hospital. Every day nearly 30000 people and children are attended to at this hospital, add a stressed parent or child along running to get the formalities sorted a.k.a me!!!!
Standing in long queues and never ending lines for medications and investigations, appointments and waiting for the 2 minutes with the doctor cause this is the best hospital in the country for oncology was just the one side of the story! I think what is even better is how humanity seems in through every corner, random strangers come to help – when I had run out of water and was frantically hunting for some so dad could swallow a pill, I found a patient who gave me his bottle or when I stood and sorted the bills of an illiterate patient so she could return unused medications and get a refund!
I remember the line ” the most sincere prayers are whispered at hospital walls” I agree! I have never felt my faith put to such a test, my patience drain or my emotions go all over the place since residency! Watching someone you love go through an illness, makes me question my own faith and todays reading just made me smile. I was in a bad place when I sat to write this reflection and the words brought me instant calm!
Often when we least expect there is Jesus in some form .. a stranger to guide you or a passage in the Bible! I hope we all seek this form of Jesus, identify them and acknowledge them! Many times in our own stresses of work and finances, we overlook issues which could make a world of a difference! Today let us grasp the hand of the Lord and fear not as we move ahead with each day!
PRAYER:
Hold my hand o Lord, guide me as I walk along your pathway to heaven. Take me away from the sins and temptations and walk me into the light of your power! Help me to be a beacon of your love to others around me and radiate hope in my words, deeds and thoughts. Help me to be kind! AMEN
