The Lord brought us there for presence.”
I was struck by these words that a nurse group leader shared about her experience at Hawaii's state American Nurses Association conference. Her nurse group had registered as a vendor to represent Nurses Christian Fellowship (NCF). Their booth outside the main conference hall provided opportunities to talk about the importance of community and the support a nurse group can provide. This nurse realized God had sent her and NCF to the conference to provide presence for attendees.
What is Presence?
For some, presence is a concept; for others, it’s a skill. For a few, presence becomes a way of life. Clinical psychologist Shari Geller discusses presence from a counseling perspective which parallels the therapeutic relationships nurses build.
Geller said presence requires “bringing their whole self to the encounter with clients and being fully in the moment on a multitude of levels: physically, emotionally, cognitively, relationally, and spiritually.” Presence incorporates being grounded to better handle the challenges of caring. It also provides an opportunity for those we care for to be seen, heard, and safe as trust is built.
Find a Place of Presence
Nurses Christian Fellowship nurse groups and student groups are places of presence. You’ll find men and women willing to listen as you share your story. They know what Dutch pastor and writer Henri Nouwen spoke of when he stated, “To care means being where the suffering is. It's a way of living together so the mystery of life is revealed.” In an NCF group, you’ll experience corporate Bible study, prayer, and fellowship.
Experience life in its fullness as we walk through difficulties together and grow in deeper intimacy with God. Learn the power of presence.
Geller, S. (2021). Cultivating online therapeutic presence: Strengthening therapeutic relationships in teletherapy sessions. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 34(3-4), 687 703. https://doi.org/10.1080/09515070.2020.1787348
Christy Secor, DNP, RN, CDWF, is NCF’s Professional Ministries Director. She skillfully provides a warm presence to nurses, students, her family, and people she meets in her daily life in Wisconsin.
Discover NCF nurse ministry and find a nurse group at ncf-jcn.org/nurses. If you’re a student, look here: https://ncf-jcn.org/students
Add new comment