PASTOR'S BLOG

March 13, 2026

 

Do we see?

I had an unhoused patient once who had been in the hospital for 6 months. Mr. S. was morbidly obese, well over 400 pounds. Due to some health issues and his size, he was wheelchair bound. Mr. S. had been a patient at another hospital but was released after a few days. Someone found him lying next to his wheelchair, having heat issues. The person called 911, and Mr. S was taken to the hospital where I worked. Over the weeks and months, the nurses cared for him, and the managers stressed what to do with him. He was not able to walk and appeared to have physical and mental health issues. The social worker tried to find family members who would take him or a nursing facility for him to live. Day in and day out, staff went in and out of his room, treating his wounds and caring for him. The nursing staff was busy caring for many patients, so they did not have time to chat with Mr. S. Over the months, the staff grew frustrated with the situation and the pressure to place him.  What I noticed was that Mr. S. was no longer a person but a patient in a bed, a problem to be solved. I began visiting Mr. S. during my rounds. I learned that Mr. S. had come to Tulsa from New York City several years ago to study at Spartan. He loved mechanical things and machines. Often, he was troubled by stories of the homeless suffering during severe weather. We often talked about his plans, dreams, and struggles. I began to remind staff that Mr. S. was a person. Sometimes we forget to really see the people around us. Jesus saw the woman at the well- not just physically, but he truly saw her as a person who had suffered and had experienced heartache. How often do we take time to "see" the people around us? Sometimes it is easier to dismiss them as the noisy neighbor, the troublesome customer, or the annoying co-worker. I invite you to take time to see the people in our world who are " a problem."

 

We are taking orders for Easter Lilies in the foyer. These are $17.00. You can leave a check with Amy in the office or on her door. 

I will be out of the office this week visiting Colorado with my family. If you need me, please feel free to call or text. Sunday, March 22- Bethany Boyd, a certified lay speaker and a candidate for ordained ministry, will be filling the pulpit for me. I know you all will make her feel welcome.

What I see coming up: 

What I See Coming Up:

April 1- I will be preaching at noon at the Broken Arrow Indian Methodist Church. 

April 3- Good Friday Service will be at Porter UMC at 6 pm. 

April 5- Easter Sunday.