Body and Spirit

[Joanne DaviesEditor]

Today I prayed about nausea.

[See the full post at: Body and Spirit]

[Natasha KlukachMember]

Thanks for this, Jo. As always I love your reflections from inside the hospital and stand by my assertion that if I am ever sick, you are the chaplain I want at my bedside! I have noticed that this challenge with incarnational spirituality (really naming our physical experience, whatever it is like) is not a universal Christian question, and that it is something that other cultures understand and express with more ease than we often do. It’s been an interesting learning for me, travelling place to place. Chaplains have something important to impart to the whole church — thanks again for this reflection. 

[Jesse DymondKey Master]

Natasha, I’d be interested in hearing more about these cultural differences. I’ve known a handful of people that have pointed to the human body as one created in God’s image, reminding me that “it is very good.” It’s wonderful to know that there some like Jo are among us. But which communities have a better handle on incarnation?

[Joanne DaviesEditor]

Thanks Natasha. I would love to hear more of your travel experiences! I have often felt a hesitancy in this new land and in this city for such expression. Even with folks whose cultural home or their parent’s cultural home might have taught them differently. Yet I have also experienced the relief of all, new and old to Toronto, in the opening the whole body and spirit to God. Like they had been waiting to discover, or rediscover, such prayer and relationship. 

[LayMinister1007Member]

Hi Fiona,

I am new to the forum and have a interest in Chaplaincy, mentoring, coaching. A great friend of mine is a Chaplain in the Diocese of North Adelaide.  I have been an active member (Associate) of the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine.  God often uses us when we least expect it. It is natural that we to have the ‘ah ha’ moment during the Holy Communion. Feeling like an intern and fresh out of college (it was days since my graduation in 2005) from Wycliffe College with my Dip.LM.  I attended my normal Saturday duties as Altar Guild team captain…nothing unusual.  I was summoned to assist a woman in distress (at the back of my mind I thought – ‘what would Jesus do’).   I recalled what one of my teachers had said “Vanessa, we never know what is behind the door way when we are visiting the sick, we simply offer a prayer before we enter and let God do the rest”.   I let the fear and lack of experience give way to the need of the woman I was attending ( I breathed said a quick prayed deeply into my soul).  Quietly, I guided her into the Chapel…feeling the holy spirit. We simply prayed and I listened, relying on my intuition. I offered to take her for a tea or coffee.  I remembered the importance of verbatim report down the account and informing the Priest on Duty the following day.  I gave her the business card of the church, inviting her to call.    Reflecting, this was 7 years ago, we remain in contact and have become the best of friends.   God will use us when we least expect it, a wonderful discovery about his love for us and others.  Vanessa

• This reply was modified 10 months, 1 week ago by  LayMinister1007.
• This reply was modified 10 months, 1 week ago by  LayMinister1007.

[Joanne DaviesEditor]

Thanks so much for sharing this story Vanessa. I read in it listening, responding, praying and seeking God in your relationship. No wonder you have remained friends. 

  

[LayMinister1007Member]

Hi Jo,
Thank you for your kind comments to mine. The Holy Spirit is truly a bridge (I believe) to our relationship with others, wise and wonderful. “Getting Go and Letting God”. Through the pathway to God in prayer and meditation, we learn much about Him, but mostly about ourselves. The Sisterhood of St. John the Divine has also been part of my continuing journey.
We have many blessings in our lives the most unconditional love and the value of friendships.
Thank you for listening!

[LayMinister1007Member]

Thanks Natasha for your words of wisdom and reference to the incarnational spirit. In my opinion when we enter into the point of prayer, or sitting beside a person in the hospital the Holy Spirit is already there with us. Like prayer God already knows our heart and entered with us at our first thought.  The lines between the physical and spiritual are often met through the intuition, at least that has been my experience.

I too would love to hear more of what you have to say about culture and places of travel. Engaging is another portal to God.

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