I was filling out a medical release form to allow our daughter to attend a trip away from school.
The first blanks on the form were devoted to listing doctor contact information, health issues and drug prescriptions. Family contact information was asked for at the end of the form.
When I finished, I thought, “Isn’t this backward?” Shouldn’t family be the first to be contacted in times of emergency?
I had answered “doesn’t apply” to several of the medical questions, had explained that my daughter was a practicing Christian Scientist, and that family should be called first in times of emergency. I expect they would do this anyway. But after filling out the form I couldn’t help but think how medical oriented our society has become.
Schools need these forms filled out to help their students. I understand that need. But isn’t the process and expectation illustrative of a larger frame of mind in society that automatically defaults to a material option when trouble hits?
God is an ever-present help.
After a moment of prayer, one may decide they need medical help, but an initial divine petition can work wonders in establishing peace of mind, calming thought and body, and opening the door to quicker relief.
I was taught from a young age to turn to God first for help in any situation. It became a natural reflex for me during my growing up years, and has continued to this day.
Many times, on the farm in particular that I grew up on, when accidents and injuries occurred, God was the only immediate help. And God gave me the help I needed.
One time, my son was keeled over in extreme pain, and our joint prayers brought him back to normal in 15 minutes. It would have taken much longer to get to a hospital, and the results would not have been as unintrusive.
Spiritual truth is powerful medicine and instantly available.
I will still fill out medical release forms when requested and needed, but I pray that more people glimpse God as a first resort for help in times of emergency.
The call is easy to make, and there’s always someone on the other end to answer!
“I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” Psalms
