Compassion to All We Meet
My doctor’s office uses a Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) screening tool at regular checkups. It takes me by surprise every time. The questionnaire is meant to discover whether a patient is living in an unsafe environment, whether in their living conditions or relationships. Circling “no” and “never true” to statements like, “you worry that in the next two months you may not have stable housing,” or “the food you bought didn’t last and you didn’t have money to get more” gives me an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. The question, “How often does anyone cause you physical harm,... insult you,... scream or curse at you?” fills me with a deep compassion for others whose answers are “yes” and “often.” I am aware that people are living on the razor’s edge between safety and harm, enough to get by and not, but I don’t imagine them seated next to me in the wealthy suburban hospital where I see my doctor.
I’ve started volunteering at Micah Ministry on Monday nights with other friends from Peace. Most weeks I’m on Nedra’s team in the clothing closet. In that role, my interactions with guests are personal as they make requests for pants and shirts, but also underwear and bras, AAA batteries for a flashlight, or a ground covering that is lightweight because “you know, I’m staying on the street so I’m carrying everything.” The razor’s edge. That SDOH screening that I rush through at my doctor visits pops into my head during my brief conversation with Tiffany who doesn’t make any attempt to cover her black eye. I think about the screening when I talk to Gustavo, who is relieved to find out that he can safely make his requests to me in Spanish. Every day, the razor’s edge.
I’m so grateful for the people like Nedra and Lori who keep Micah Ministry going, just like Cherith Brook, and Care Beyond the Boulevard, and all the other places where our Peace members serve. Meeting the immediate and very practical needs of the people there is the goal, but an interaction that reflects dignity and kindness, lightness and care, that’s the point, too.
Holy One, give us the courage to be your hands and feet in the world. Give us the compassion to see your image in everyone we meet.
Amen
Eli is a song leader at Peace. She shares her home with her husband Justin, daughter Julia and until recently, son Christian who lives nearby, and of course, the family’s sweet rescue dog, Pepper.