Affirmations from a Hospice Patient Named JOB

Affirmations from a Hospice Patient Named Job will help readers identify with the stages of death, dying, and grief. Chaplain Lonnie Royal informs others of these stages from his years of chaplaincy and ministry. The story and words of "The Book of Job" has brought encouragement and comfort to many throughout the ages. As a Hospital Chaplain, I remember an 80-year-old saintly, godly, lady with a serious heart condition. She had one grandson who was the love of her life. He was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident. Her family wanted me (the Chaplain) to break the news to her. The words of Job ran across my mind, but I dared not say them or volunteer them. After the doctor gave the approval, family members gathered in a room and a member was selected and coached into gently telling the story. The story of the grandson's love of riding his motorcycle, the family's love, the grandmother's love and the tragedy of the grandson's death. We all waited for the anticipated grieving, emotions and tears. The grandmother skipped four stages of grieving (Denial and Isolation, Anger, Bargaining, and Depression) and immediately went to Acceptance. To all our surprise and especially mine, she said, "The Lord has given, and the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord." (Job 1:21) People put words to their grief and dying by what they say, pray and sing. Soul singer Sam Cooke in 1964 used the words of Job to express deep pain, by singing; "It's been a long time, a long time coming but I know a change is going to come." (Job 14:14) Remember, "You don't have to worry, no, your burdens you won't bear alone. Even in your darkest night, God is sure to be your guiding light." (from the song I Must Tell Jesus.")