This Week's Reflection for Hope and Resilience

This is part of a series of weekly messages of hope and resilience that will be made available through Employee Connections and printed copies for those who do not have easy access to computers. Read last week's reflection here.

I recall applying to serve as the chaplain at Methodist Fremont Health and being given the opportunity to have an in-person interview with eight women sitting around me in a conference room. One of the questions posed was concerning my ability to work in an environment primarily made up of women. By way of examples of similar past work relationships, I assured them that I did not anticipate it being a problem. 

Author Glenn McDonald writes: “Bible scholars have pointed out that every time Jesus interacts with women in one of the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), he violates a cultural taboo. It was subversive to talk to a woman in public, to treat females with dignity, and to teach them lessons from Scripture. Jesus did all of these things.”

He continues: “In a world that unhesitatingly regarded women as second-class citizens, Jesus was counter cultural.”

He then quotes Dorothy Sayers (a pioneer woman graduate of Oxford College): “Perhaps it is no wonder that the women were first at the Cradle and last at the Cross. They had never known a man like this Man – there never has been such another. A prophet and teacher who never nagged at them, never flattered or coaxed or patronized; who never made arch jokes about them; who never treated them as ‘The women, God help us!’ or ‘The ladies, God bless them’; who rebuked without [demeaning] and praised without condescension; who took their questions and arguments seriously; who never mapped out their sphere for them, never urged them to be feminine or jeered at them for being female; who had no axe to grind and no uneasy male dignity to defend.”

As we continue in this Holy Week, culminating in the celebration of Easter for many worldwide, may we pause to reflect on our attitudes towards others, of different gender, of different skin color, of different ... (period). May we choose to “be becoming” better people.

Together, may we continually raise the bar of excellence in demonstrating effective teamwork, evidenced by respect and integrity, as we deliver exceptional care to all our patients and their loved ones.

Blessings,

Chaplain Scott Jensen, Methodist Fremont Health

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We know these are difficult times. If you would like to speak with a chaplain for support, please feel free to reach out.

Methodist Hospital and Methodist Women’s Hospital: Call Operator “0” and ask for the chaplain to be paged.

Methodist Fremont Health: Call Scott Jensen at (402) 290-1408.