I like the phrase: health care. There is so much in that phrase that it seems almost too rich with meaning, to suffused with importance, and too electrically charged to be used in our current world. We live in a world of distractions, of ease and convenience, and of a never-ending saccharin stream of sappy, vapid pleasantries. How are you today, one may be asked. But the answer is always positive, as if it were a ghastly affront to be otherwise. And certainly no one really cares to hear if they are not ok. Besides, what could one do?
Much, really.
Health care is so much more than the simple caring for one's body and physical needs. There is an emotional, even spiritual aspect of one's soul that requires just as much sustenance and maintenance as the physical. Perhaps more. Because there are tests for the conditions of the body, and corrections can be relatively easily made to rectify all but the most serious of ailments. But what of the illnesses of the heart? Who can bind up a broken heart? Who can speak healing words of affirmation to a friend? How can a person recover from the effects of spiritual anguish and trouble?
Amid the debate about health care, we should make sure that we are caring for people. That the interactions between professionals and patients is one of a human nature. For we are all brothers and sisters, fellow travelers on this mortal coil, and we need to rely on one another.
Thus, in my mind, health care is not just a matter for debate. It is not a right or a privilege. It is the very essence of life itself. It stems from every friendship, every communication, every smile at a stranger in a grocery store. It is in the laugh of a child. It is in the night sky full of stars. And it is in the promise of a sunrise full of opportunity and joy.
Those who love each other know how a kind word can make the difference, how a merciful and tender act can turn the night to day, and how the knowledge and feeling of real love can make the burden of this life seem bearable, even light. People should tell each other how they feel. Why wait? Why not just say, I love you! I care for you deeply and want you to be happy! I will do anything for the favor of your smile!
Life is short. Let's care for each other.
I love you.
My heart is heavy this morning. I read that Kate Kelly and others are being brought up on Church disciplinary action. For those who are unfamiliar with the process/proceedings of LDS Church discipline, it can be a bit mystifying. There are several levels of censure that the Church may impose. These range from a simple removal of some privileges for a short period of time to the most severe action - excommunication. When one is excommunicated, the person's membership in the Church is terminated. It is a very extreme measure, and for the faithful it can be a very difficult thing to consider. What people don't understand - what is nearly impossible for someone outside the proceedings to understand - is the amount of love felt. It's discipline. It's intended to be harsh (at times). And it's intended to be unpleasant. But it is done with love and care for the person. Since excommunication is such an extreme measure, it is really only very rarely applied. There are ...
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