For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Luke 10:45, ESV)
A few weeks ago, I shared a report on a medical issue I had with my heart in a blog; I titled, I Am Healed. When you receive news that there is some thickness around your heart, your first reaction probably will not be to leap for joy. Still, I did align this diagnosis with the Word of God and began to pray. This battle was not mine and I knew I had the victory. Likewise, it required me to have an MPI (Myocardial perfusion Imaging), better known as a Nuclear Stress Test. And a CT (Computed Tomography). They scheduled the MPI for Friday, May 5th, and the CT on Thursday, May 11th. I inquired if they could do both; at the same time but was informed that was not possible.
Sometimes, those who work in the medical field do not get the credit or applause they deserve. Some do not look for recognition because they love serving others. They do so with such grace and style that it makes you feel like you are part of their family. So, I want to; give a shout-out to the team at Cooperman Family Pavilion at Saint Barnabas Hospital for helping me; get through such a horrific ordeal. When you receive news about your heart that says there is some thickness around it, it can be; quite disturbing. It sure was for me. Their hospitality was unbelievable throughout the whole process. likewise, there are many definitions for the word serve in the Bible, but the one I want to use is; An attendant in the service of someone, as Joshua was the servant and minister of Moses. (Numbers 11:28). (1)
Whatever our task is, we should treat it as if the Lord, Himself were our boss. Colossians encourage us to do it from the heart. (Colossians 3:23-24, AMP). We are to give our finest effort and do everything in the spirit of excellence. Every performance should show we are doing it for Him and not for men or recognition. Neither is it for a quick pro quo. These exceptional people at Saint Barnabas provided me with high-quality care. All; I had to do was sit back and be served.
I am grateful to my PCP, Dr. Chatha; for having the EKG done that revealed this condition and to Dr. Kaid, my cardiologist; for ordering the test. Priscilla did a superb job taking the test. She made me feel at ease. Likewise, I am thankful to Ruby, an assistant at Dr. Chatha’s office, who made sure; I received the order for the lab work. And likewise, the results and the request for the imaging got to those at Saint Barnabas. She was courteous and professional and saw that the staff got the paperwork. Ruby worked tirelessly; at communicating with me to reassure the paperwork was delivered to them.
Then came the scheduling of the test. Karen and Mary Grace have patience as a virtue. We spoke several times, and they were always friendly. They explained specific instructions that were easy for me to understand. And they did not disconnect from the phone without making sure; I had no more concerns. Each one called me a few days before the test to remind me about everything I needed the day of the imaging. Because of complications with transportation, I was running late for the MPI. I phoned Karen with an update, and she assured me they could still do the test if I arrived by 1:00 PM. On the way to the facility, another problem occurred, and I canceled the test. No worries, Karen was sensitive and understanding and rescheduled me for May 26th.
Beloved, God always has a plan and reason for when plans do not go as planned. There is always a reason for whatever happens. I told this to my dear friend, Tawanda. She replied; God got it; there is a purpose in delay. So, I did not allow this minor hick-up to discourage me. Besides, my heart did not need such a reaction. Tawanda was the first person I shared about my heart condition. She and many prayer warriors prayed and encouraged me. They included Teresa, Judy, Mrs. Philemon, Minister Gloria, and her noon-day prayer team. Likewise, my sweet sister, Deborah, Barbara, and the Bible Study Team under the instructions of Ron and Tracy. Her sister, Sharon, prayed and tore down strongholds. I even wrote down as much as I could as she prayed. That is how much it touched me.
On May 11th, I arrived for my CT/CAT. The beautiful lady in the lobby greeted me with a smile and directed me to where to go. The receptionist had the brightest smile ever and a great attitude. While waiting for them to call me in for registration, I observed how another lady walked another patient in the right direction to where he needed to go. She was so thoughtful and pleasant. Not long after that, the receptionist called my name. The young lady who registered me was so polite. She noticed I was about to write down the directions to where to go and handed me a paper with the information. Then that same beautiful lady who helped that other patient walked me; on the direct route to radiology.
Sweet Jesus, I felt mighty special, still; I had not even reached the radiology department. It is what serving others is all about, making people feel comfortable and like they matter. Beloved, guess what? They do matter. Everybody should be treated with respect and dignity, as this magnificent staff made me feel. Even Jesus says in Mark 10:45 that He did not come to; be served but to serve. And He did so regardless of who they were.
When I arrived at radiology, I signed in, and Karen came out and greeted me. Likewise, each person introduced themselves to me before starting any procedure; on me. They spoke to me like I was a person, not only a patient. Karen looked up my information and discovered I also was scheduled for the MPI. She spoke to the appropriate staff; and asked if they could do both since I was already there. I assured her it would be fine with me. First, she; was told they could not, and I understood.
Then, Chris came to take me for the CAT and explained why they could not schedule me for both. They were looking out for my best interest. He has been in the medical field for over 30 years. I can see why. He enjoys helping others. Still, he checked with his supervisor, another kind woman who assured him they could do both. It only required them to administer the CAT first. By the way, Chris had to give me an IV, and he was gentle and compassionate. My blood pressure was high, 147/86, but I did not get any anxiety over that.
After that, I went to the room to have the CAT and met David and Jen. Each introduced themselves and maintained a professional and kind demeanor. Jen explained what to expect during this procedure, and she was on point! During the scanning, David had to give me instructions, and he did so; with a sense of calmness and empathy. Afterward, Chris took me back to where I would have the MPI. He explained how significant it was to drink plenty of water when I arrived home. I could eat my regular meals and have some caffeine, such as coffee. Yes, that sounds delightful!
Likewise, we spoke briefly about how important it is for those who work at a hospital to treat the patients like family regardless; of any challenges. And all these people did so with me. We both agreed that working there made them a family. It is something he enjoys about this facility. My belief; is to treat others better than you would like anybody to treat you. It says so many times in the Bible. Some call it The Golden Rule. The Bible calls this; Be Like Christ. Beloved, isn’t this the definition of what a Christian is? (Luke 6:32;Ephesians 4:32;Matthew 7:12; Philippians 2:3-4, AMP). Even though I have no idea what faith any of them practice, they sure were angels used by God.
Sonia was the assistant while Rick prepared me for the MPI. They both spoke to me with deep concern for my well-being. She took my blood pressure; again, and it had dropped too; 135/70. Then came the infusion for the imaging, and Dr. Khan explained everything where I could understand. He said it may cause a headache, nausea, or abdominal pain. Thank God, I felt none of these during the test. Likewise, he inquired if I had any questions, which, thanks to his explanation, I did not. The procedure did not take long at all.
After that, Sonia escorted me to the waiting room; where I remained for a little more than half an hour, and within a few minutes, I did get a slight headache which was gone before I left. Karen gave me a hot blanket to keep me warm, and I am glad she did because it was more than chilly. No worries because the slightest dip in the temperature may cause me to get cold. It is why everywhere I go, I always have a jacket. Then Rick came to take me for my final testing, which lasted for a few minutes. I could not believe they were done! Still, before I left, Karen inquired if I knew; how to return to the main entrance, which I did not. So, she walked me to the elevator that would take me to the lobby.
These angels of God embodied grace and dignity. They made me feel comfortable, at peace, and right at home. WOW! Saint Barnabas Cooperman Family Pavilion went above and beyond for me. It was more than I could ask for and everything I needed at such a crucial time. 1 Corinthians 16:14 encourages us to do everything in love. I tell you, love showed-up in these incredible people and showed-off. I am forever grateful for the first-rate care and comfort they provided me. God, bless them because they were servants to Your servant.
A Prayer by Sharon Golden
5/12/2023: Lord, cancel every assignment against her heart. Blood circulation has free reign in her body. Come against plaque and anything that caused that thickness. Give her thin blood. Everything around her will be still, and she has peace that surpasses understanding. NO anxiety. Cancel every assignment, bind heart thickness, and anything abnormal. Angels encamp around her. I speak the Word of God over her life. Bind every thought and lie the enemy sent. Free her now. Thank you. God, be around her. Protect her mind.
Time For Reflection:
Servicing others comes with a huge responsibility and those who do so without expecting anything are leaving behind a residue of God's love. What does serving others mean to you?
When you serve others and they do not show any appreciation, have you continued to serve? Why or why not? We would enjoy hearing your replies, so please, leave your answers in the comment section, hit that heart, and share.
I pray the song; Fighting For Me by Riley Clemmons stirs your heart to serve.
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