A Note from the Mental Ward
I had to go see a client today at Central Regional Hospital in Butner, NC. I asked the man who was escorting me back to see how many patients were in the hospital. He commented that there was about 500 last he heard. He said that many people stay there for a long time at the mental hospital. One man is said to have been there since the late 70's. I know the hospital sure is huge. I had to pass through three locked entry ways before I saw the person I came to visit.
One of the hardest things about my job is seeing the young people effected by the abuse and neglect of others. I'm not sure about the particular person I came to see today, if what he has been experiencing is the result of abuse or simply mental illness. I'm just not sure, but I know a lot of the problems I have been seeing lately stem from abuse and emotional and sometimes sexual abuse that occur. Sometimes from a brother, parent or trusted extended family member. We live in a culture where many people use other people and do horrible things.
Jesus said, "Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, when neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matthew 6:20-21. When I think about this verse and verses like it, I think to myself, "how do I lay up treasures in heaven?" I think one of the ways we do that is by being a blessing and ministering to other people. I think that is because there is nothing more valueable on this earth than a person's soul. And when we love and respect other people we are truly giving people the greatest gift we can give.
We got a new cat a few months ago. Her name is Keke and she is the same color and markings as a cat named Oscar that we had who died last January. I guess you could call her a replacement cat. She is scared of everything. She spent the first month at our house under the bed. She has onlly gradually come out and let us pet her and depending on what mood she is in sometimes will still run away. It makes me wonder if she has been abused. Unfortunately, when that bond of trust is destroyed or never formed with people and animals it can be very difficult to claim back. But, with patience and love I think it is possible. Because God doesn't make trash or hopeless cases.
Oscar
One of the hardest things about my job is seeing the young people effected by the abuse and neglect of others. I'm not sure about the particular person I came to see today, if what he has been experiencing is the result of abuse or simply mental illness. I'm just not sure, but I know a lot of the problems I have been seeing lately stem from abuse and emotional and sometimes sexual abuse that occur. Sometimes from a brother, parent or trusted extended family member. We live in a culture where many people use other people and do horrible things.
Jesus said, "Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, when neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matthew 6:20-21. When I think about this verse and verses like it, I think to myself, "how do I lay up treasures in heaven?" I think one of the ways we do that is by being a blessing and ministering to other people. I think that is because there is nothing more valueable on this earth than a person's soul. And when we love and respect other people we are truly giving people the greatest gift we can give.
We got a new cat a few months ago. Her name is Keke and she is the same color and markings as a cat named Oscar that we had who died last January. I guess you could call her a replacement cat. She is scared of everything. She spent the first month at our house under the bed. She has onlly gradually come out and let us pet her and depending on what mood she is in sometimes will still run away. It makes me wonder if she has been abused. Unfortunately, when that bond of trust is destroyed or never formed with people and animals it can be very difficult to claim back. But, with patience and love I think it is possible. Because God doesn't make trash or hopeless cases.
Oscar
