A Different Kind Of Hearing

Then he added, "Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given--and you will receive even more. - Mark 4:24 (NLT)

“Did you hear me, Ma’am?” her haggard face looking intently, awaiting for my response and actions to her demands. The thick, glass partition window separated us as I finalized her request to be evaluated by the Nursing staff.

“Of course, I heard you loud and clear. But it was disappointing to hear that you made your health concern an emergency when it’s not. You know that what you want from me could have waited until the regular sick call in your unit,” I responded as I met her stare with my piercing one.

“Why did you tell your unit that you were having chest pain then you came here complaining of minor ailments?” I probed.

She looked away as if she couldn’t stand my stare anymore, becoming uncomfortable yet, continuing to make excuses.

“That’s not what I told them,” she replied quickly, still looking at different corners of the Infirmary. Her glances showing that she was trying to come up with an excuse so she wouldn’t get in trouble.

“Here’s your yellow pass. You know the rules here. If it happens again, I can put you on discipline for faking your emergency.”

She finally rested her head, looking down, as she extended her right hand to accept the yellow pass she needed in order for her to be able to return to her unit. I popped the door open to make way for her to leave. I knew she was upset for not being able to get some medications she wanted. Medications that she did not really need because there was no true ailments. Medications I wouldn’t give because she was arrested for abusing illegal substances in the first place.

When God placed me in the Correctional setting to care for others, He surely gave me a different set of ears. While the inmates think that I ignore their demands and not seem to care and hear them, they are very wrong. I hear louder than my own set of ears. For circumstances in this place require more than hearing through the ears. I learn so much hearing through my mind and heart instead.

Then he said, "Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand."
- Mark 4:9 (NLT)

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death. - Revelation 2:11 (NIV)

and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." - Luke 4:21 (NIV)

The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can't tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can't explain how people are born of the Spirit. - John 3:8 (NLT)