The Splint And Sling

We were shopping in the city when the call came. Seven-year-old Ade had fallen on the school playground and needed to go to the hospital. As we travelled to the school, my daughter, Mary, and I discussed the best thing to do, as our van was loaded with groceries, and it would be several hours of waiting at the emergency room.

We decided to pick up Ade and go immediately to the hospital, where I would drop mom and daughter off, then turn around and drive home with my youngest granddaughter, who was also with us. Together, Lindy and I would unload the vehicle and feed the dogs. My son-in-law, who was out of town, would swing by the hospital on his way home and pick up Mary and Ade once the doctors had finished treatment.

Five hours later, Ade arrived home with her left arm in a splint and sling. The arm had been fractured just above her elbow and would be stabilized by this contraption for the next six to eight weeks, until the bone healed.

As adults, we were relieved that surgery was not required to pin the bone, but Ade was devastated. To her, the summer was ruined. No more baseball. No swimming at her friend's birthday swim party the next week. No swimming —period — until August, for that matter. Her list went on and on as tears poured down her cheeks. Along with the splint and sling, much listening and positive emotional support was required for several days before she was able to calm down, accept what had happened, and start to make the best of the situation until the arm mended.

This incident sparked me to consider the fact that when life fractures the hopes and dreams of those around us, we, as God's people, should be quick to reach out to be a splint and sling of comfort and healing support for them, as they heal. The Scriptures remind us what to do:

Romans 12:14-15 – Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (NIV)

Galatians 6:2 – Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (NIV)

1 Peter 3:8b – Be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. (NIV)

Reaching out in support of others often requires the sacrifice of much listening and positive emotional support. Accepting fractured hopes and dreams is not easy for most people. Broken hearts and loss take their toll and must be worked through for health and healing to occur, whether it be physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. May we, God's children, be there to stabilize and support our friends, and yes, even our enemies, amidst their times of brokenness, just as Christ did and does for us, each and every day. Pray with me:

Prayer: Lord, make me a splint and sling of support for those whose lives have been fractured. In Christ's name, I ask. Amen.