As a Wellness professional I often hear the term “my cup is overflowing” i.e., with stress. Interestingly, Psalm 23 of David has the opposite nuance, and I want to share its shalom.
Chaplaincy offers transformational hope
in the spaces of first responder distress.
This is why chaplaincy is often favoured over psychological support (or is considered complementary to psychological support). Chaplaincy has the strength of the layperson’s approach, i.e., Peer Support, with the clinical skill of spiritual direction and best practice pastoral care.
First responders have the same stressors we all do but are loaded (and sometimes overloaded) with additional dimensions of potentially traumatic event exposure—we call these PTEs or PTEE. Consider the cumulative effect of dozens or even hundreds of these PTEs over a multi-decades-long career. Additionally, many of our first responders are volunteers, and many serve so much it’s like another full-time job.
Chaplains are able to offer something transformational into the space of the “cup overflows” metaphor, for King David said, “You (God) prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life…” (Psalm 23 verses 5-6)
Even in the presence of ‘enemies’ like stress and trauma, concepts of peace, hope, and joy are possible. Can the presence of these be explained? No. These are spiritual mysteries that are nevertheless real. The power of empathic presence offers human connection that transcends all advice and wisdom and is a wisdom all its own.
Yes, hope and peace, and with these two, joy abounding.
Into the mix of a life that is so often too complicated to comprehend, focusing on spiritual mindfulness, meditating on such truths, can bring immense peace, hope, and joy.
A chaplain’s presence is often able to bring
these to the fore amidst the turmoil of torment.
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