Vessels of Healing
I was actually supposed to work that night, but I called off for this impromptu assignment. It was this year's Mother’s Day week, and the women ministry at a friend's church needed a speaker on the subject of depression.
Unfortunately, their original speaker called out at the last minute, and the organizers couldn't find a substitute, so I had to step in.
The problem is, I am a registered nurse by profession with an interest in functional nutrition but not an expert in mental health.
After calling out from work, I quickly researched the subject of depression and added a few clinical encounters I had in my career. I said a simple prayer before leaving for the event and handed the rest to God.
The program itself went well, as far as I recall. The bottom line of my talk was depression was real, and suicidality was a key complication of depression. I encouraged the women to seek help right away and not to be shy. I concluded by pointing out that our Lord Jesus heals depression. We ended the evening with another simple prayer.
It was an ok meeting, not a blockbuster or anything, but I felt pretty good about it considering the circumstances.
The shocking part came the day after the program. One of the organizers called me to say there was a woman at the program who actively was contemplating taking her life that morning. She stated she had been overwhelmed by all the problems she was going through and wanted to end it all. But after hearing my talk, she realized what she was going through was quite common. She was able to release her feelings that very night and left the program not wanting to harm herself any longer.
I tell you, my eyes swelled up with tears while listening to this, and I started thanking God for the lady’s life and the program. The testimony shook me but it reaffirmed my faith in God.
Firstly, I wasn't supposed to be at the event. Besides, I was the least qualified and the least prepared person to speak on the subject; yet God needed me at that very second to save a life!
The text that comes to mind is “For we are God’s handy work created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10)
Till now, I remain shocked that God will use me as His vessel at such a pivotal moment.
As the year wraps up, there is so much confusion, anxiety, and fear out there. The devil has ramped up his antics with depression, negative self-talk, and suicidality. But I want to assure you that regardless of your qualifications, God can use you as a vessel of healing for the people around you.
This morning, our gratitude is not rooted in what God is about to do, but we thank Him for already making us vessels of hope, joy and healing to the people who come into contact with us.
Have a merry Christmas, and God richly bless you!
Salomey Adomako, RN
21 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 6
The Grace Movement