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
Vicarious Trauma and PTS
Chaplain Lynne writes:
Vicarious Trauma and PTS
He sat up abruptly, gasping for breath, sweat covered, shaking sleep from his body and the nightmare from his mind. Falling back into his pillow, he tried to calm the rapid beating of his heart and the shaking of his hands. The visions of the scene replayed in brief spurts across his mind, as he tried to slow his breathing with deliberate and slow, in-and-outs. In …1,2,3,4,… hold …. 2,3,4 … out … 2,3,4,5,6,7,8 … over again, and then once more. Silently, angrily… he thought, “man, things are getting out of control.”
Sighing deeply, he prayed without realizing it was even a prayer, “This is not okay. I can’t do this anymore. Lord help me.” The alarm shattered the quietness, and he groaned as he swung his legs over the edge of the bed. Shaking off the demons of the trauma playing in his mind, he rose and warily began the new day.
Walking into the bay, the rumble of voices greeted him enthusiastically. He ducked his head, raised a hand in acknowledgment, and entered the office. Moving through the hall he heard footsteps behind him and glancing back he groaned inwardly. Forcing a smile he didn’t feel inside, he greeted the man approaching, “Hey, Chappy, what’s up?”
The chaplain reached out, grasped his shoulder in a friendly gesture and smiled quietly back. “How ya’ holding up, man? Thought we could have a cup of coffee together.”
Looking into the chaplain’s sincere face, the eyes that remained steady and calm as they met his, he felt the weariness overcome him. Fighting the urge to walk away, he took a steadying breath and bravely, just shook his head in agreement.
All it took was a step of faith on each side, to begin the interaction that could change the direction of the ever-building stress reaction within this man.
The Faith of a chaplain enables him to use his assessment skills to see avoidance in a person’s reaction, knowing the scenes he has been through. Faith to take steps to follow him unbidden for an opportunity to interact, and then ask a simple question, with a strong compassionate hand and voice. Presence has an impact.
The Faith of a hurting man to dig deep, ignore the selfish desire to sweep it all away and not face the signs he was noticing… and instead accept the hand offered in grace. Presence changes things.
The Faith of an all-knowing God, as He used an alert Chaplain to answer a somewhat irreverent, pain-filled prayer. An ever-present presence is our God.
Vicarious trauma is real and knowing the signs and the changes that happen is important for both the chaplain and the person in service to others:
Recurring dreams / flashbacks
Changes in sleep patterns / energy patterns / eating patterns
Changes in social interactions / engagement style / isolation / avoidance
Changes in demeanor / attitude / stimulation seeking or avoidant
Changes in reactions including emotional outbursts / anger / lethargy / hopelessness
Know that hearing their story can impact you as well. Keep your self-care plan active!
Blessings, Chaplain Lynne
(please click here to go to comments to add prayer request)
Considerations
Shield Approach Chaplaincy Application
Choose to Remember your Purpose – including during ongoing engagements before a crisis … avoiding distractions as you develop relationships with those you interact with regularly . Build trust, integrity and relationship, with the ability to recognize signs that something is different.
Carry your Presence – at all times. Not a “saint”… but a human who is at peace, with hope
Character is Peace – Knowing your faith foundation, is deeply developing peace as who you are
Clothe yourself in Compassion – love in action, is deliberate, persistent, yet without rudeness in the face of resistance, and meets needs
Comfortable with Silence- walking with others means being able to carry silence comfortably
S.H.I.E.L.D. Approach
SAFE – Make them feel safe- in this case knowing them beforehand and building relationships, allow them to see you are trust-worthy and with integrity and are caring
HEAR – Find an opportunity to start the conversation – hear their thoughts – don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions if needed, but hear beyond what the voice says
INFORM – provide information, encouragement, resource opportunities and normalization
EDUCATE – basic crisis processes, body responses, tools for addressing crisis responses
LEAD – lead them to next steps, engage them around their desired outcomes
DECISION – Identify if need for higher level of care, don’t leave alone if suicidal, and don’t be the only one supporting , but do be a reliable support
Care
Chaplain Lynne writes: Care I am writing this post on the third anniversary of our Founder Chaplain Steve Ballinger's death. To say that he is missed is an understatement, yet we do feel his leadership each day, as we move forward in his legacy of service. Chaplain...
Safe Patient Presence
Chaplain Lynne writes: Safe Patient Presence She sat on the wall, head down, hands moving up and down on her arms, as she rocked back and forth. She didn't say a word when the Chaplain quietly introduced herself. She didn't even seem to recognize that anyone was...
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...
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.