Chaplain's Corner

January 2005
 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he or she is a new creation;
the old has gone, the new ahs come.”

11Corinthians 5:17

Letting go is one of the most difficult things for any of us to do. Some remember their childhood, high school years, or any time before brain injury as “the good old days.” Yet, as this new year 2005 announces, time marches on!

After brain injury we all struggle in ways that at times seem overwhelming. The stress of living with brain injury is enough in itself. Add to that the troubles of living in this world everyday, where nothing seems to stay the same, and our very being can feel threatened.

In the quotation above we are reminded that through our relationship in Jesus Christ we are make new. How do we maintain life through God’s Spirit and not lose heart? The answer, I believe, lies in staying in community and connectedness.

Every week, I see people at Edwin Shaw hospital who were former patients here. Just last week on Thursday, I spent time with the grand daughter of a patient who I first net in 1993 or 94. She was looking for someone who remembered her from the time she spent here and I just happened to walk by.

I didn't recognize her at first, but knew the name immediately. After talking about old times and people from the past, we got to the present. This lady lives outside of Summit County and has not been connected to any TBI group for several years. I was so excited to tell her about the Ballinger Clubhouse and the opportunities the group provides!. After she got some contact information and we prayed with her grandmother, I was encouraged that God has seemingly worked out another connection that can bring great community to us all.

Let us look forward to what lies ahead with anticipation of what God can and will Do. My prayer is that 2005 will surpass our wildest expectations as we continue pursuing the Ballinger Clubhouse vision!

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