“Sometimes our light goes out but is blown again into instant flame by an encounter with another human being.”
Albert Schweitzer
It struck me when reading this quote that Albert Schweitzer was a really great chaplain! (Although his formal title I think was Missionary Surgeon).
He has encapsulated perfectly in this quote the way in which we can support and nourish each other simply by being present and actively listening within our encounters or interactions with others.
Another chaplaincy approach was that apparently when Albert Schweitzer set up his missionary hospital in Africa he related to the African people he treated in the way that they wished to be treated. He met them where they were, listened to them and explored how to best meet their needs with them. He created the hospital around them rather than trying to impose Western hospital ways in the jungle. This made it welcoming and acceptable to the people that he treated rather than something to be afraid of and imposed on them.
Can you relate to a time when you were feeling empty and totally washed out or overwhelmed / swept aside; but then a seemingly simple conversation or just some time spent with another person left you feeling so much more refreshed and ready to face the world again?
If you’re feeling that your light is a bit dimmer than you want it to be at the moment, or that things are a bit too overwhelming and out of control and you’d like to talk to a chaplain, you are very welcome to call or text me directly on my mobile: 07526 378529 to chat.
Debbie
Alternatively, if you prefer you can email info@mitechaplaincy.com to request a call-back. We also have a range of resources on our own web-site including some that are more specific to the Covid-19 outbreak and some that help in dealing with everyday stress: https://mite.org.uk
You can also find us on social media at:
Facebook: @mitechaplaincy
Twitter: @mitesthwarr
