Have Mercy

Matthew 5:7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." 

Equipped for Mercy 

The USNS Mercy sailed into the Port of Los Angeles today. The 1000-bed ship will serve as floating hospital for non-Coronavirus patients.

"Mercy brings a team of medical professionals, medical equipment and supplies, all of which will act, in essence, as a `relief valve' for local civilian hospitals in Los Angeles so that local health professionals can better focus on COVID-19 cases,'' he said. "We will use our agility and responsiveness as an afloat medical treatment facility to do what the country asks, and bring relief where we are needed most.''

https://www.foxla.com/news/usns-mercy-hospital-ship-arrives-at-port-of-los-angeles-to-bring-relief-to-overwhelmed-area-hospitals

Mercy is a name of a huge ship. But really it is about the people, the jobs, the care, the courage, the do diligence of those placed on board to serve, bring healing and comfort to those recovering from other ailments and/or injuries. 


Essential for Mercy 

Our doctors and nurses, EMT's and various therapists and health providers are risking their own health and beyond by serving all the communities at large at this very moment in time across our country, around the world. They are working without enough protective equipment in this pandemic. The numbers are increasing. Quarantined patients are without their family and visa-versa.Nurses serve not only in the physical care, but in the emotional care of these patients. Who is caring for their anxieties, their mental and emotional health? 

Just like after war, after 9-11, we may see a surge of PTSD in our health professionals. 

Exacting Mercy 

I saw this story today--had to share it. 

https://www.nbclosangeles.com/on-air/restaurants-cater-meals-to-hospital-and-medical-workers/2336721/


The merciful:  "those who, through brotherly love, account another person’s misery their own; who weep over the calamities of others; who, out of their own property, feed the hungry and clothe the naked; who admonish those that are in error, inform the ignorant, pardon the offending; and who, in short, use their utmost endeavours to relieve and comfort others." ~ Erasmus, Dutch scholar and Christian philosopher, 1466-1536 A.D. 

Lord, I pray that you equip us with your mercy to serve those in need around us, the wounded in spirit, the bed-ridden in anxiety, the broken, unable to catch their breath. Allow us to be essential in all our thoughts and deeds, in our daily stay-at-home schedules and plans within these dynamics and parameters because of this merciless pandemic. Father God, give us exacting mercy at the time most needed, patience and understanding for each other, and the will and mindset to pursue Your mercy and grace even more. Lord, Your redemption awaits us as Easter approaches, yet Your redemption already empowers us now. There are heroes among us, many in the spotlight and many undercover. However You choose to use us in this time, let us be obedient to Your calling and humble in our approach. Expand our gifts for the greater Good, and multiply Your servants to proclaim the Hope in a world shuttered from Your Light. Thank You Lord for Your mercy given to us, and we pray for You to be merciful again on those in need and the wisdom to embrace it. Amen 

Comfort Food

Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

First, middle and last; that’s it for my name. You won’t find Dr., R.N., Ltd. or Esq. attached, but it seems like another sort of “specialty” sometimes applies. It looks like this: G.C., Giver of Comfort.  One can find my degree written in II Corinthians 1:3-7.  I am still in “extension classes,” these last 7 years, with one Professor, that of the Holy Spirit, the TRUE G.C. I don’t remember signing up for this.  What did God see in that “career assessment or life skills test" when I decided to get serious about my purpose?  I’ve learned a lot, felt a lot. I can’t say that I understand a lot, but that’s where trust and the words I highlight in God’s textbook encourage me. I press on. 

Today, 7 years ago, my son’s own Commencement took place. He graduated with the highest degree, one I am naming M.SdF., mustard seed of faith.  His practice is in Heaven.

Gathering comfort food for a basket to take to another mother and father who mourn their oldest son, I thought about my Savior as I made choices.

Bread  (of life).

Grape juice (blood of the lamb), 

 --Eucharisteo

Ravioli (He fills us with His mercy).

Marinara sauce (He covers us with Grace)

Parmesan cheese (He sprinkles us with blessings)

Strawberries and bananas (He gives us the Fruit of the Spirit).

Greek Yogurt Pretzels, (The Trinity)

Zucchini and yellow squash – (Power foods, that give strength).

Lemon Cake- (sweet promises of eternity).

This Monday, attending the memorial, I ask God for a refresher course, an extra helping of His Comfort Food, Comfort Food that I can tangibly give and He spiritually provides.  God’s comfort food never runs out. I partake in it daily, for without it, grief emaciates, starves the soul.

Fill me up Lord. Be filled to fill.

Father God, I pray for the God of comfort, to comfort those afflicted with the same comfort in which I have been given. I pray for those in the ravenous ills of cancer, both young and old, for grace and healing, for faith in the Lord, a hope and a future now and for eternity.  Amen. 

Do you need comfort today? Do you crave more joy?  The world will never satisfy. Ask the Lord to help you to see His goodness and let's chat.