As a chaplain, my primary responsibility is to provide emotional and spiritual support to individuals and families during challenging times. Chaplains have been an integral part of religious and military institutions throughout history. We provide emotional and spiritual support to individuals and groups in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, correctional facilities, universities, and the military. This essay will look at the background of the chaplains, how it originated, what its members do, and, as one of the chaplains, I will look at 13 problematic situations involving Mary and her family and try to chart how I would help her solve them.
The word “chaplain” is derived from the Latin word “cappellanus”, which means “keeper of the cloak.” This term referred to individuals who were responsible for maintaining the cloak or other religious artifacts of the religious leader. In the early Christian Church, chaplains were appointed to care for the spiritual needs of soldiers and sailors. In the modern era, chaplains have taken on a broader role, serving individuals in a variety of settings beyond the military. Chaplains are trained professionals who hold theological degrees or certifications and are often affiliated with a particular faith tradition. We provide a range of services, including counseling, prayer, and pastoral care. In addition, we often organize and lead religious services and ceremonies, such as weddings, baptisms, and funerals.
The deaths of Mary’s grandparents due to COVID-19 are a significant loss, made worse by the fact that they had no life insurance. As a chaplain, I would research how to financially assist the individual member of the family who has died without life insurance. Sharing testimony and an experience that I encountered when my daughter passed in 2018; Charmayne Dent-Edwards did not have life insurance at all. I hope this will indicate, inspire, and encourage Mary to follow suit. Furthermore, to further encourage Mary’s spirit, I will read to her Psalm 34:18 (NIV, 2011): “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Mary’s parents are in a nursing home, and she oversees their care. As a chaplain and a skilled, certified nursing assistant as well as a medical assistant, I would inform and encourage Mary to keep a record of her parents’ doctors, nurses, names, and all medical information about her parents. Because of my experience, I can help Mary check all of her medical records for accuracy. As I see it, the line from Exodus 20:12 (NIV, 2011) is appropriate in this situation: “Honor your father and your mother, that you may live long in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.”
Mary’s niece is pregnant and not married, which can be a challenging situation in any family. I would offer non-judgmental support and guidance to the entire family, focusing on the emotional and practical aspects of the situation. I would choose to treat Mary’s niece with kindness and understanding, but even so, I would have to explain to her that while Mary would be saved, her niece had committed a great sin in the eyes of God. What happened fits Jeremiah Chapter 13:3 (NIV, 2011): “I have loved you with everlasting love; therefore, with loving-kindness, I have drawn you and continued my faithfulness to you.” However, Mary’s niece still needs to begin to find the strength to go on in order to raise her child. I will help her find the fortitude to make it right.
Mary’s Christian niece wants to marry a non-Christian, which can be a source of conflict in a family. As a chaplain, navigating this delicate situation with compassion and understanding would be important. Listening to everyone’s concerns, offering guidance and support, and helping them find common ground would be the focus. Spiritual guidance, if appropriate, would help the Christian family members find peace and understanding in their faith. The main idea of my action is found in the words of Romans Chapter 15:7 (NIV, 2011): “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
Mary’s nephew is considering dropping out of college, which can have long-term implications for his future. The first thing I would try to do is to reassure Mary and her nephew so that they could think through what was happening in college in a calm environment. As they contemplate possible actions for Mary’s nephew to remain at the university, I would remind them of Jeremiah chapter 29:11 (NIV, 2011): “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I will do this so that under all circumstances they can understand that whatever the Lord does is for our benefit, so any outcome will not be fatal to their family.
Mary’s brother attempted suicide and is on suicide watch in the hospital, which can be a traumatic experience for everyone involved. In this case, it is important to show Mary that the Lord does not forget about her and her brother, so I would show her Psalm 46:1 (NIV, 2011): “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” What follows is a situation in which Mary’s brother is very ill and is trying to decide if he will receive hospice care at home. Psalm 23:4 (NIV, 2011) is appropriate here, where it is inspiring to write about the fellowship of people: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Guidance and referrals to medical professionals who can help Mary’s brother make an informed decision about his care would be important.
Given my desire to help Mary in any way I can, Isaiah 41:10 (NIV, 2011) is appropriate: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” This line fits the following problems: Mary and her entire family will be in danger of losing their home. I would do everything in my power to assist them in devising a plan to keep their home.
Mary’s 10-year-old son is spending time with teenagers who are using drugs. As a chaplain, I would offer support and guidance to Mary on how to address this issue with her son. We would work together to identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to his behavior, such as peer pressure or emotional distress. I think it is important for Mary to understand that she is the one with primary responsibility for her son’s future, so I will show her Proverbs chapter 22:6 (NIV, 2011), “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
There is also a situation with Mary’s sister, who has promiscuous sex and sees nothing wrong with it. To begin with, I would confidently determine that no longer can the Lord save Sister Mary’s soul because she has accepted sin and confidently repeats it. However, after that, I would suggest that Mary should accept her sister for who she is because of Peter chapter 4:8 (NIV, 2011): “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Mary’s cousin’s belief in homosexuality can also be a source of conflict in a family with differing beliefs, which is why it is essential to find a common ground. As a chaplain, I would offer non-judgmental support and guidance to the entire family, helping them navigate this issue with compassion and understanding. Romans chapter 12:10 (ESV, 2001) fits this situation perfectly: “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
In the following situation, Mary worries about her age and not being married yet. I will help her find reasons to be happy in the circumstances in which she is now. One that might be particularly relevant is Philippians 4:11 (NIV, 2011), which says: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Mary’s job insecurity is another issue that requires attention. As a chaplain, my role would be to offer emotional and practical support to Mary, helping her identify resources and strategies to address her job insecurity. The main problem she has to deal with is counteracting her own insecurities, something Proverbs chapter 16:3 (NIV, 2011) can help her with: “Commit it your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
In conclusion, caring for Mary and her family during this six-week period would require a holistic approach that addresses their emotional, practical, and spiritual needs. As a chaplain, I would offer non-judgmental support and guidance, helping them navigate the challenges they face with compassion, understanding, and hope. It is essential to take into account the family’s cultural and religious beliefs while approaching these sensitive issues to provide the best possible support.
References
Exodus 20:12. (2011). New International Version. Web.
Isaiah 41:10. (2011). New International Version. Web.
Jeremiah 13:3 (2011). New International Version. Web.
Jeremiah 29:11. (2011). New International Version. Web.
Peter 4:8. (2011). New International Version. Web.
Philippians 4:11. (2011). New International Version. Web.
Proverbs 16:3. (2011). New International Version. Web.
Proverbs 22:6. (2011). New International Version. Web.
Psalm 23:4. (2011). New International Version. Web.
Psalm 34:18. (2011). New International Version. Web.
Psalm 46:1. (2011). New International Version. Web.
Romans 12:10. (2001). English Standard Version. Web.
Romans 15:7. (2011). New International Version. Web.