Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital issued the following announcement on Nov. 18
It’s been quite the year for all of us, but particularly our fellow team members at Bon Secours. While navigating their way through it all, they’ve never lost sight of why we do what we do: Extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of our communities and bring good help to those in need.
For that, we wanted to take a second and say thank you.
Thank you for your sacrifices.
Thank you for the countless hours you’ve spent serving others.
Thank you for being flexible.
Thank you for your understanding.
Thank you for your strength.
Thank you for your courage.
Thank you for your selflessness.
As we head into the holiday season, it’s important to take a moment and reflect on the gratitude you feel for all the people in your life – for those you work with, those you work for and those who work for you. From the bottom of our hearts to everyone who has played a part in helping to care for our community – thank you!
We’ve compiled a few poems, inspirational quotes, reflections and prayers that perfectly encapsulate the emotions many of us are feeling during this time. While reading them, take some quiet time to reflect on the words and what they mean to you.
The Frontliners
Dear heroes of the frontlines, indeed.
Offering your service to those in need.
In you a weariness that begs for relief.
From the agony of such incredible grief.
Dear frontline heroes behind the mask
Committed to such a heart-wrenching task
Relentlessly you work to serve
With hope to see that declining curve.
Tears of sorrow fill your eyes
For some may live and many will die
So afraid of what cannot be seen
And well beyond a horrific dream
Like soldiers, you have held your ground
Believing a cure would soon be found
Frontline heroes, brave to the last
Keep faith in your Lord for this too will pass.
Retreat not from hope, do not despair
For surely God is always near
Know that all things are in His plan
We may not always understand.
And if angels resided on earth, abound
As you, on the frontline they would be found
Dear frontliners, know this to be true
God’s mercy is present in all that you do.
(O. Abdul Alim)
A Prayer for COVID-19
Lord, we pray for all who suffer from the coronavirus.
May those who are infected receive the proper treatment
and the comfort of your healing presence.
May our caregivers, families and neighbors be shielded
from the onslaught of the virus.
Give solace to those who grieve the loss of loved ones.
Protect and guide those who strive to find a cure,
that our work may conquer the disease and restore communities to wholeness and health.
The light of God surrounds us,
the love of God enfolds us,
the power of God protects us,
the presence of God watches over us.
Wherever we are, God is. And where
God is, all will be well, and all manner of things shall be well.
Amen.
(Father Joseph P. Cardone, Bon Secours Mercy Health Chief Mission Officer)
“Where is God in COVID-19?”
Where is God in COVID-19?
In the warm smile of an old friend seen virtually, gone and now reunited.
In the tear of a family member who lost a loved one… perhaps their only one.
In the hands of a nurse who left the safety of their home to care for a stranger.
In the resilience of a food store clerk who understands the necessity of food.
In the care of a doctor who lives a ministry of hope.
In the words of sacred scripture proclaimed in faith, at a bedside, for the last time.
In the parent who is fearful at the uncertainty of their child’s future.
In the pain of a homeless shelter and the people who show us the meaning of trusting in providence.
In the hearts of the people of Ireland who stood on their porches on Easter to clap for a minute in support of all health care workers worldwide.
In the fear of an isolated nursing home resident.
In the brokenhearted, lonely, furloughed, poor and marginalized.
In the songs of the birds which herald each new day, and in the majestic purple primrose peeking from the soil.
God is most certainly here. A God who journeys, heals and loves us dearly.
Amen.
(Alex Garvey, PhD, senior VP of mission in Greenville, SC)
Bible Verse and Reflection
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18a)
How could I fear my days once I realize the one who holds those days is a God who loves me?
How can I show that love to others today, to help drive out someone else’s fear?
(Alex Garvey, PhD, senior VP of mission in Greenville, SC)
A Prayer for Our Doctors
May the wellspring of compassion be opened to you.
May the soothing words find a home in you.
May tenderness bless you as you reach out for comfort in body, mind and spirit.
In the midst of fear or frustration, may courage be given you.
May patience keep a vigil with you and peace of mind call you.
May your heart find a song to sing even when you are weary.
May abundant love lift you and gratitude bless you as you live the mission of care entrusted to you.
(From the staff of the Ministry of the Arts, and the Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph)
Original source can be found here.
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