Jessica Van Denend-LTS
Abiding Presence -In this clip-played by Ryan Gossling-is experiencing a loss, and members of his small rural community come over to bring casseroles and “to sit.” They provide nothing else other than presence, simply being with him in the midst of his suffering. This foundational image of the pastoral care giver who simply is present or even carries out small, seemingly insignificant tasks is an important one.
Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner writes, “Most often acts of pastoral care are simple ones. People in transition, loss, or disappointment, as well as those in joyous occasions can need hep help with basic tasks. Bringing a meal, cutting the grass, or running an errand not only is a supportive gesture but also represents Christ to these people. As you push the garbage cans out to the street, you can prayerfully say, “These hands are doing Christ’s work and “These feet are Christ’s feet.” (pp 19-20).
Pastoral Care Provider as Reader of the Living Human Document
Anton Boisen, the father of the modern CPE movement, penned the essay “The Living Human Document” in 1936 following a number of what he termed “disturbances” in which he found himself inpatient at a mental hospital. Out of these experiences, Boisen began to reflect on the spiritual and religious aspects of medical problems, and began thinking about how pastors and theological students could work in hospitals as part of interdisciplinary teams. Boisen wanted these students to see that the “human document” was just as if not more important than anything they could read in a book. In this clip taken from the movie Good Will Hunting Robin Williams plays a therapist who is trying to build a self-confidence and assurance in the life of his young and talented client, played by Matt Damon, who has read every book in the library. Williams is trying to convince Damon’s character that there is a world of personal experience beyond that of what he has read in books, in pastoral care, we enter into that world.