Rev. Shirley M. Dash
We Are a Mighty Force of One
We are a team all across this nation. We are a force of one; we serve in sickness and in health. There have been many times when we have been called for the last moments of a journey that is near the end. We hurt and sometimes cry – the intensity of pain that we encounter is enough to cause the heart to stop. The chaplain is called to serve his or her God, who gives the gift and ability to serve others.
We are many colors with a very vast exposure of experience and knowledge. We sometimes heal the wounded but with the touch of compassion from the God that we serve. We keep serving because we recognize that is the very first thing that we have been called to do.
Our praying continues because it is the interceding that creates change. The encouraging continues because we know how the heart needs to hear the comforting words of another. The dawn of a new day gives strength and hope that we will not only live through the crisis, but be strengthened to outlast the storm on the horizon.
We are a team all across this nation. We can connect on so many levels with people from all walks of life, because we know the importance of diversity. We as chaplains have been taught how to integrate our theology into wherever our place of service may be.
We are a mighty force of one because we have a common goal of compassion. We understand that the results that are achieved through our serving are not to be misunderstood as something that we created.
It is through our presence that we understand. It is our faith that enables us to know that our presence is conducive to healing in whatever way it may manifest itself. We are ever so grateful to be used as instruments of peace, because we don’t take for granted the gifting, calling and anointing with which we were birthed.
Serving for us does not end when we are off the scene but when the assignment has been released from our heart and spirit. We understand the importance of boundaries in our personal and professional life, understanding that we are called to serve, not hurt.
We are encouraged to live healthy and strong, making sure that we feed our spirits so that we can live as well as give. We recognize that we will sometimes not benefit from the same compassionate care that we give to others; that is why we are sometimes called wounded healers.
The God of all comfort has been faithful to keep us fit to serve. We are a mighty force of one.
Rev. Shirley M. Dash is on staff at Fox Chase Cancer Center and has served in the area of Palliative Care and Oncology for thirteen years. She serves in her local church, City of Judah International Fellowship, in Philadelphia, as a teacher for Aspirant leaders/Clergy in the process for ordination, and an Associate Pastor. Shirley has been honored for her volunteer work in the area of outreach by the United Way of Greater Philadelphia. She also serves as an Ambassador for the American Cancer Society, and a teacher trainer for the Church of God-In Christ ordination class that is facilitated by the University of Pennsylvania Hospital Pastoral Care Department in Philadelphia.
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