Our Mission is to Heal!
“God expresses in man the infinite idea forever developing itself, broadening and rising higher and higher from a boundless basis” (S&H 258:13-15). This statement applies beautifully to Fern Lodge. We are broadening and rising in our understanding that God cares for man. We are seeing that healing is possible because with God all things are possible. Our Mission is to Heal. This simple statement guides us in all areas of our work. Though simple, its implications are profound, and it’s woven into everything we do.
When I take an admission call, I am almost always asked, “How much does it cost to be a patient at Fern Lodge?” I always very gently say something like, “I understand finances are a concern, but may I ask a few questions first?” And then I ask how we can help meet the needs. We talk about the patient’s love for Christian Science and what we do to support their study and practice. I love hearing all the ways these dear ones have served the Cause for so many years. Then I bring up the most important thing of all—the expectancy of healing. We think of every patient’s stay as a temporary one, because we are focused on healing. That said, we will provide care for someone as long as is necessary for the healing. We never turn a patient away just because they are unable to pay.
It is so important for the patients and their families to have an expectancy of healing. There is a subtle suggestion that tries to dupe us all into believing that at a certain point in life one will run out of money, out of time, out of options, and be too old to be healed. Not so! We have seen people of advanced years come to Fern Lodge, be healed, find a new place to live, and have all their needs met by radically relying on God.
I’d like to share a few healings we have seen this year. A patient apparently lost consciousness. A Christian Science practitioner was called, and the Fern Lodge staff worked with her; in a short time she got up and resumed all of her regular activities. While speaking with a Christian Science nurse, a patient expressing anger and agitation became calm, quiet, and grateful. Another patient recently returned home after a beautiful healing. He came to Fern Lodge able to stand just long enough to transfer himself from chair to chair, but unable to walk. Soon he left walking. What do these healings prove? We all know, because we have experienced healing too, that God is Love and All, and that we are healed as we glimpse the truth as revealed in Christian Science.
The Christian Science nurses are key to the healing work at Fern Lodge. I have never seen a more consecrated, hard-working group. They never hesitate to go the extra mile in giving Christianly scientific care to the patients. They are creative problem solvers; they strive to be economical in their use of materials and resources; and they are loving, wise, forgiving, and flexible. They are joyful and buoyant. They help without hesitation when a fellow staff member isn’t feeling well. They love the patients and each other and it is a privilege to work with them. Their expectancy of healing is evidenced in the words of encouragement I hear as they are helping someone to walk, and in their steadfast trust that a patient expressing anger or confusion will yield to the Christ as they read to them and offer a cool drink. They come to work everyday with renewed joy, and a willingness to give unselfishly to support the patients’ reliance on Christian Science.
Our Activities Department, which weaves Christian Science into everything they do, encourages and supports a sense of the fullness of Life for the patients. Our staff in the other departments—Kitchen, Maintenance, Housekeeping and Laundry, and the office—give their individual talents faithfully and with so much love. Our wonderful volunteers conduct Sunday and Wednesday services, take patients on outings, read to them, and offer inspired, loving assistance. Our house practitioners so faithfully support us, and they have helped us on so many occasions. We are blessed by each one’s dedication. What I see at Fern Lodge is a blending of hearts whose sole purpose is to support the patients and each other, and to love God. We expect to see healing, and we are seeing it, daily.
Heather Beck
Director of Christian Science Nursing[:]
One Comment on “Director of Nursing Report 2015”
Heather, i like how you handle people phoning in about cost and nip it in the bud so to speak– a helpful example. Cheers.