The Big Wound

The jail kitchen’s extension number was flashing on the phone as it rang.


“Hello? Nurse Rcubes. May I help you?”


“Hi Nurse. We have an inmate here who accidentally cut his finger from the serrated edges of the plastic wrap as he was wrapping the food trays. We had been putting pressure for a while and it’s still bleeding a lot!,” was the jail cook’s reply.


“No problem. If he’s okay to come down here to the clinic, I’ll see him right away.”


“Thank you Nurse”.


A minute later, a tall, white, young male emerged holding on to his index finger of the left hand. I didn’t even ask, I immediately let him in, into the Exam Room. When I asked him to let go of the pressure, there was only a blood-soaked Band-aid dressing visible.


“Go ahead and remove the Band-aid, Sir,” I requested.


As I was doing a lot of things at the same time, like getting his vital signs right away and observing the wound, I started asking him some medical questions, too. The cut was not bleeding actively anymore when I saw it. However, in his set of vital signs, he had a low grade fever. I asked him if he had cold symptoms from the past days and he said he did, for about a couple of days. But he denied coughing or having trouble breathing.


I got concerned with his cold symptoms because of the last flu scare we had in the jail few weeks ago and with him, being in contact with other inmate workers and with preparation of food, I wanted to take him out for a few days so others would not get sick until we made sure that he wasn’t contagious. I handed a mask and to which he obliged right away.


I took another look into those glassy eyes.


“Sir, there’s more to those glassy eyes of yours. I know you’re not in pain from that minor cut and you’re not too sick. Would you like to tell me what’s going on, that is…pause… only if you want to tell me because it is still your right not to do so. I’m only wanting to help you the best I could.”


The head looked down. The facial expression turned to sadness. As good as he was with eye contact the whole time I was speaking with him, this time, he was looking at the floor.


With a sad tone of voice, he replied, “Ma’am…pause…You’re right. My mom just passed away on the 31st [July] from throat cancer. It hurts that I didn’t get to see her because I’m not out until October.” A deep sigh followed.


The jail is strict in implementing policies. The staff is not allowed to talk with inmates especially in friendly manners, as if they are friends. That prevents the staff from the possibility of developing close relationships with inmates. It is for safety concern. And I did hear a lot of stories that some of the staff ended up trying to help the inmate they became fond of, to escape.


That moment was crucial for me. I felt the higher policy that comes from the Highest Authority. He commands His children to love Him first, and then, love others, even our enemies. We are to shine our light so that those living in darkness still will tend to know that Source, which in turn, will give them the hope that they thought is forever lost, being in that dark place.


Staying calm with my composure, praying in my mind for the Lord to quietly guide me with what to say, I said, “I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. That must be difficult that you didn’t see your mother. But if you don’t mind me asking, how old is your mom and if you have a family?”


“Ma’am, you have no idea that I’m so glad that someone finally understands me. Of course, I don’t mind to tell you. My mom was 65 and yes, I’m married with 2 children and I miss them,” came the reply with an excited tone, this time his eyes met mine and he wasn’t backing down. His eyes lightened up.


[Back of my mind: “Lord, help me! What do I say now?”]


“No offense meant here, Sir. I don’t need to know why you’re here in the jail. But if there’s an opportunity for you to be released and start a new life, do so. I know life is so precious, and your mom had lived for 65 years, but you have a family waiting for you and that’s who you live for, especially your children. I’m sure they miss you, too.”


“You are so right, Ma’am. Thank you so much for everything. Thank you for treating me and talking with me. I feel better now. And yes, I will try not to be back here again. My family is important! And I learned so much…”


[Back of my mind: “Lord, may this man know You because I know that’s the only way he can change and be healed with his wound deep inside…”].


He went back to his unit after I took him off of work for a few days so he can properly grieve and rest to fight the cold symptoms. I had scheduled him for another nurse follow-up to make sure that he was not running a fever anymore and that, his cut was infection-free.


That man was not bleeding from his wound. He was bleeding and hurting in his heart! I saw that in him, just like the way God saw my wounded heart years ago. That “person” was grateful as he walked away from me. A “person” not an “inmate”. The way God looked at me: “His child” not an “enemy”.


There is no big wound that God can not heal…


He gave me beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise, instead of despair. Instead of awaiting my death penalty, He saved me and declared me “not guilty!” when I believed in His Son Jesus.


Yes, I am grateful that Someone understood me…Finally!


“I will tell of the Lord’s unfailing love. I will praise the Lord for all he has done.” -Isaiah 63:7

21 comments:

  1. God bless your beautiful, tender loving heart my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AMEN...."no wound my Heavenly Father can not heal."
    You bless me each time I visit and you always have the word GOD needs to plant in my heart for the day.
    Love you and praying together with you that we will each be all HE created us to be.
    Andrea

    ReplyDelete
  3. this is beautiful. And yes God can break through anything. Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  4. Rosel, This is such a beautiful post. You help so many with sharing your wonderful stories. You are so right "There is no big wound that God can not heal" Many Blessings, Audrey

    ReplyDelete
  5. Rosel,

    This man received so much more than caring for his sick body and a cut on his finger. He will no doubt leave a completely changed man because of the kindness you showed him today.

    Love and Hugs ~ Kat

    ReplyDelete
  6. Rosel,

    Your gift of compassion poured into this man. God saw HIM and used you to speak right to his heart. It is those moments that when God sees us and meets us right where we are (even if that is in jail) we are forever touched and no one and nothing can take it away from us! It leaves a mark on our hearts forever! Bless you Rosel Bless you!

    I love you and thankyou for praying for me! You are sooo right! I need to be here and cherishing each moment right now.....I am blessed to have this opportunity!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I had a moment and wanted to stop by. And as always was not disappointed. You have such a beautiful way in using Gods eyes to see the needs of others. Thank you for sharing. Carol

    ReplyDelete
  8. HI Sis,
    This was a beautiful heartwarming and touching post from the heart, your heart! What a ministry the Lord has placed you in and I am so sure that precious soul was ecnouraged and comforted. Hey I notice in your profile we have similar interests, I love when the Lord sensd kindred spirits our way.

    Hugz Lorie

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Rosel, I have an award for you if you would like to stop over and pick it up.
    Blessings, Daveda

    ReplyDelete
  10. There are so many glassy eyes all around each of us every day. Thank you for reminding us to ask the questions (respectfully) but to ask. Most are just waiting for someone to care.

    I too have some awards that I have passed onto you on my blog.

    ReplyDelete
  11. How blessed are these men to know you - your prayers will change their lives - God is listening.

    Love,
    kelly

    ReplyDelete
  12. what a tough job you have....so glad to hear that you were able to help this man with a hurting heart!
    hugs
    chasity

    ReplyDelete
  13. May God richly bless you as continue to lead souls into His Kingdom. I am honored to be here...


    God bless,
    Debby
    www.heavenlyhumor.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Bless you for showing the love of the Savior and for sharing it with us. It made my day to read of such compassion.
    Blessings,
    charlotte

    ReplyDelete
  15. You may be THE PERSON to listen, understand, and give him the motivation to find Jesus and make the changes he needs to change. That's our prayer.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I am always in awe of the way you allow your real boss (Christ) to guide your movements and words. He alone holds the key to the jail cell that truly holds them prisoner! This blog is unique in the blogosphere and I am blessed every single time I come.

    ReplyDelete
  17. That made me want to cry. It would be so hard not to connect as a compassionate person to each one who seemed to open his heart. I understand that many may take advantage of that, but what a struggle that would be for me.

    I'm glad God gave you the words to say Rosel.

    Love & blessings to you!
    Beth

    ReplyDelete
  18. It truly is a gift we give when we understand someone else. I can imagine you praying before you go to the workplace just how Jesus would handle every situation!

    Love ya!
    Mary

    ReplyDelete
  19. It is an amazing thing to see and hear God's goodness and kindness in action through your life toward others.

    ReplyDelete
  20. It's so awesome to see how the Lord uses you to minister His love to the inmates you come in contact with, and how you are such a willing vessel.

    ReplyDelete

"Faith is taking the first step even if you don't see the whole staircase..."
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

All posts/composed songs copyright by RCUBEs.



Encouragers

GotQuestions?org

Friends