The Ministry of Presence

“Suffering exposes us to the mystery of God—not an explanation from Him.” ~ I Cor. 2:16

For Joshua, the fire drill offered a welcomed break from his daily high school routine.  The surprise of the shrill, unexpected noise made classmates gasp, jump out of their seats, and giggle.  They all shuffled down the hall and out the exit doors to an assigned location on the tennis courts.

When most people think of Joshua, they think of his fiery side.  The Northwestern-bound defensive lineman earned his stripes as one of the school’s greatest football players of all time.  His 6-foot-4, 240-plus-pound frame put the fear of God in opponent quarterbacks.

But behind his face mask of defiance and strength, he had a softer side: caring and sweet with an engaging sense of humor.  The fact that Josh wasn’t affected by his talent or his good looks added to his popularity.

For most students, the high-pitched intermittent blast of the fire alarm is simply a minor, temporary irritant.   Josh relished the freedom of being outside and breathing the crisp, fresh air while waiting for the "all clear" bell to sound. 

But, fire drills can be extremely challenging for some students; the loud noise, the sudden transition, the crowded hallways often cause fear and anxiety.  Such was the case for Laurie, a classmate with Down’s syndrome.  For her, this routine safety procedure became a complicated, painful ordeal.

Spotting Josh, she moved toward him deliberately.  They’d become friends in Art class last semester.  She always walks slowly, probably because of her physical limitations, but mostly because she could.  Laurie had an uncanny ability to be completely present, in whatever situation, with no thought to "what next?"

She stopped directly in front of him, catching Josh slightly off-guard.  Sandy brown hair and cherub cheeks failed to hide the fear that colored her chocolate brown eyes. 

He edged his hand toward hers ever so slightly, until he felt his fingertips brush her hand.  She unfurled her fingers and let his slip around hers until she felt the warmth of his palm press against her own. 

Laurie shifted her stance uncomfortable.  But the more he squeezed her soft hand, the more she felt the tension melt away.  Laurie smiled.  Josh breathed out a soft prayer meant only for her ears and God above. (below)

He held her hand all the way back to her classroom.

Everyone in the body of Christ qualifies to be an expert assistant to the suffering.  You don’t have to be brilliant, persuasive, articulate, or experienced.  You can be involved in what’s called, "The Ministry of Presence."

Through the ministry of presence, you can bring comfort to the hurting - without ever being ordained or certified.  You don’t have to be anything but available to be a wonderful tool in the hand of God.

Heavenly Father, I don’t the trials that Laurie has been through, but whatever anxiety is still in her heart and mind, please grant her peace and acceptance.  Help her find comfort in You through me.  Amen