Sometimes as service providers or caregivers we become so focused on the behaviors that are demonstrated by someone in our care that we fail to be empathetic and support the emotional and psychological pain the person is enduring. Keep in mind that the person is not simply concerned about themselves but is also in agony because what is occurring internally is also impacting their interactions with their loved ones. In this blog, Danyelle eloquently shares what she is experiencing internally and how she copes. It is the goal of The Mandt System that in addition to the physical and emotional support individuals may be seeking, they also must experience spiritual support or at least, sensitivity from caregivers who have been certified in The Mandt System. In the Mandt System curriculum we talk about the concept of the ‘Four Walls’ which is derived from Maori culture in New Zealand and stresses the importance of the spiritual wall in maintaining the balance and stasis of the whole house. Our job is to be the attendants in the house of those we serve and listen to the call for healing that may be sought from us through and within our relationships.
Faith Builds Strength
It’s rough. Every day is a hard day. Today, specifically, is a battle. The voices in my head are a tumultuous, bizarre & petrifying phenomenon in which I am faced with almost daily. But very profound and debilitating, they are – this very day. They come in waves and do not relent. Their sinister, sarcastic and terrifyingly poised & personally positioned nature is subtly believable. Why. is. it. so??……. Is the question I find me asking myself over and over….. And over. Why do I – an otherwise healthy, “normal”, God fearing individual HEAR voices in my head? How could it be? OH yes….., “I think” I know & contain all the “right answers” to these difficult questions of the soul. When in reality – the deepest recesses of my heart burst at the seams with incessant & troublesome uncertainty.
It is bothersome beyond all respite. To have ALL of your innermost, intimate thoughts & intentions ravished & mocked by “voices” that are “really not there”.
Oh – but how – in the thick of it all – I give thanks and honour to my Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, how He is “a man of sorrows and aquatinted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). And….. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)
For……
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
I thank the Lord my God – the God of ALL comfort – that, even when I am uncomfortably suffering under the weight of much trials and afflictions – His presence & spirit alone – brings incomprehensible comfort to my weak and battered heart. All glory to him.
Danyelle Smith (used with permission)
