From Chaplains to Chaplains
Chaplains Corner
A place for Chaplains to encourage other Chaplains
Maximize your chaplaincy self-care by also engaging with other chaplain’s communication. We hope if you are a volunteer or case worker practicing chaplaincy skills, you may also find encouragement in each Corner Communication.
Read the works of chaplains and/or submit your own words of comfort or encouragement to Living Shield Ministries for review and use in an upcoming Corner Communication.
Corner Communications
Foundations
Chaplain Lynne writes:
We celebrate the foundation of this country 250 years ago.
It was a foundation built with, and thru, faith. Faith was an important part of the lives of those shaping our country.
What a legacy they hold.
I think of those who fought for the freedom of our country as well. How very grateful are we for their service… for our freedoms.
It is so apparent that the foundations of our country have been flooded with various assaults over the years.
Foundations are critical on the safety and longevity of anything, especially a building.
A foundation can be affected by the drip, drip, drip, of a small drop of water… as well as the tsunami flood that wrecks devastating havoc… one is just more obvious at its impact. Both assaults can undermine a foundation and what it supports, be it a building, a person or even in the case of a Chaplain, a service.
As a Chaplain, our foundation is critically important as well .
What do we build our service on?
What is our faith foundation?
How strong is it built?
Can it bear the insistent drip of the world around us, or the tsunami that a crisis can bring?
We know that you can not stand with someone in the midst of a chaos, that tsunami-like crisis, and not get wet. It affects you. It can even shake your foundation.
So we ask…
What are you doing today to strengthen you foundation?
Have you inspected it?
Walked around it, so to speak… looking for cracks and weak areas?
What is vulnerable in your foundation?
What is your plan to strengthen it?
Preventing weak areas has to happen regularly and with forethought.
It’s weary work trying to build on broken rubble, and can hinder the effectiveness of your service.
To keep your foundation strong,
If you have stored any rubble of broken things, clear them away. Rubble can hid weakness. Clear it away and strengthen your foundation there.
Let God mend it. He has all the plans!
As a Chaplain, it is essential you are aware of your Hope. The pain filled questions of a hopeless person can affect your foundation. Make sure your foundation is grounded in Hope and sustained in prayer!
Blessings, Chaplain Lynne
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.[c] 49 But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great. Luke 6:46-49 ESV
A Strong Foundation
Explore more about the role of chaplaincy and how to improve essential skills.
Things that help build a strong foundation
- Some starting questions:
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- Know yourself
- Know your vulnerabilities
- Determine to create a plan for self care
- Identify your “firm foundation”.
What is the very foundation you are built on? - Create a plan to continue to strengthen your relationship with your faith foundation.
- Do an up-close inspection of your “foundation” looking for your weak areas. We all have them… and it’s important to know yours. Strengthen your weak areas.
- spend time with your God. He is the best builder!
Ephesians 2:19-20
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone…
to submit a comment go to:
https://livingshield.org/project/foundation/
Chaplains versus Pastors
Chaplain Lynne writes: Chaplain vs. Pastor: Understanding Two Distinct Callings I wrote a few months ago about a Chaplain’s purpose, outlining the role of a Chaplain and the importance of remembering that purpose. Since then, I have had several conversations about the...
Rest
Chaplain Lynne writes: Many Chaplains are finding themselves pushed to their limits. We are experiencing a building need for Chaplains. Those who are currently serving, are called upon to increasing demands. This high demand on Chaplains, can lead to burnout and...
What do you imagine you see in the face of God?
Chaplain Lynne writes: I interacted with a woman this week who shared a very negative engagement her family had with a Chaplain (that is, a poorly trained Chaplain) during the unexpected loss of her infant child. She shared that without knowing her, or her family,...
Corner Opportunities
Contribute to the Corner
We are currently collecting one-page encouraging messages to be shared in future editions of the Chaplains Corner. A Living Shield Ministries board member will evaluate the submission and decide when to use it, after communicating back with you.
A Path Forward
At times someone helps us on the path of chaplaincy in an encouraging way. Here is an opportunity to help other chaplains. Consider sponsoring a chaplain you know to attend the School of Chaplaincy.
Add Light to the Corner
Light the way for poor prospective chaplains by contributing to the scholarship fund used by Living Shield Ministries to help educate more chaplains. Help a student start class with a scholarship.
Join the School of Chaplaincy
We are all “works-in-progress”. Take a major step towards enhancing your listening skills and get updated on the latest information for Chaplains. Practice what you’ve learned and/or will learn with others that share the same interest, so you can better share your experiences with your community. Together, we can make a difference.