From Estuary to Sanctuary
Our Community Ministry Column
I've been called to meet with the family of a deceased youth in
an area hospital. This young man had been shot. He is one of the
faceless dead. The minority boys that largely don't count within
American media or government; however, they mean the world to me.
In fact, it could have been me in a different time and space.
I've been called to assist them in their grieving and help them
come to grips with the anger issues that are manifest from a people
that have suffered too much. I think, this young man, this life
that blazed out too fast, needs to be remembered for more than this
unfortunate event. His death should not be in vain. He was the future.
His life was once filled with promise. Now, there is only sadness!
Family and friends have all gathered at the hospital. They have
never been in the chapel before and never knew it existed. How ironic,
how significant, how troubling it is to me as the chaplain to think
that my domain is often an afterthought. Most people don't call
the Rabbi, Minister Imam or chaplain until illness, death or wedding
plans are being put together. Well, here we are in the midst of
pain and I'm on stage. It's my time to do what I've been trained
to do.
The prayers are spoken; the silence is broken by one of the chaplains
playing Amazing Grace on the organ. I gather us in a circle. We
hold hands. I let them know that I am here for them as well as the
other chaplains. They thank me, take my card and promise to let
me know about the funeral arrangements.
I sit down in the chapel with the other chaplains and sob a bit.
My own ability to be present with others in the throngs of anguish
has pushed me into the abyss. Why, how, when will this nightmare
end?
As a UU minister, I don't usually share my heartbreak with you.
I became a minister to share my life with others. It was a calling!
I don't regret it, but something has to change. As a community minister,
I share our values with a population that most of the time doesn't
know who or what we as Unitarian Universalists are. Nevertheless,
our faith is needed in a troubled and hurting world. We are all
called to minister to each other. Let hearts open up and let the
healing proceed.
In faith,
Rev. Gordon Bailey
Affiliated Community Minister
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