Hope
Updated: Mar 22, 2022
Rain came and wind blew
My house was built on You
I’m safe with You
I’m gonna make it through
‘Cause I’m standing strong on You
I’m gonna make it through
‘Cause my house is built on You
These words echo in the background as I try to do the work required of me every day. I’m a physician, and my patients need the services I can offer to empower them to reach their best quality of life. But there is so much of what we do in health care that is procedural and bureaucratic. It’s not what we signed up for.
When I chose to enter health care more than 35 years ago, it was to give compassionate care to that person who was looking at me, asking for relief or support. But every medical system, whether well-meaning or not, demands to be fed with paperwork and completing bureaucratic checklists. If that is what it takes to get that care for that patient, though, we press on, trying to beat the system into submission.
If you’re reading this, you’ve likely been on the other end — waiting for a medication, a service, a piece of equipment that you or your loved one requires to live. I have been there myself — full of mixed emotions: fear, anger, fatigue, frustration, hope, among others. There has been heartbreak, a river of tears, and a feeling of failure. Why can’t I get this for my child, my spouse, my parent? Why is it so hard?
I can describe for you all the regulatory and legal roadblocks that exist, those that stand in the way between you and relief. I don’t like them. I think many rules are unnecessary. I think many exist to enrich someone far away, living in some distant mansion. Honestly, I think many were created in attempts to prevent fraud. However, when you can’t get that treatment for your loved one, none of those good or bad rules or reasons matter. If you’re looking for an answer to this twisted, perverse system from me, you’re not going get it. The political and financial reasons for this mess reach far beyond you and me and, no matter how loud we shout to the winds, we ARE shouting to the winds.
What can we do? Exactly what you are doing — persevere. You are doing noble work. You are fulfilling a holy calling — caring for that person who can’t care for themselves; or if it is to treat you, then caring for yourself. I hope you have a support system to help you endure. Loved ones, family, friends, a faith community, the “In Our Arms Community,” and other caregivers are there, waiting to be asked for help.
YOU NEED THEM!
They will love you when you feel unlovable and a failure. They will let you know you are loved and appreciated. The support these communities provide to each of us can enable us to endure situations that may seem unendurable. I personally hope you believe in God. I could not make it without Him. The only reason I am still here is because when the rain came and the wind blew, my house, my life was built on that faith and relationship with HIM. For me,
Christ is my firm foundation
The rock on which I stand
When everything around me is shaken
I’ve never been more glad
That I put my faith in Jesus
Listening Library: Firm Foundation (He Won't) [feat. Chandler Moore & Cody Carnes] Maverick City Music, TRIBL
“24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
(Matthew 7:24-25 NIV)
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” (Isaiah 43:2 NIV)
Firm Foundation
Christ is my firm foundation
The rock on which I stand
When everything around me is shaken
I’ve never been more glad
That I put my faith in Jesus
‘Cause He’s never let me down
He’s faithful through generations
So why would He fail now
He won’t
I’ve still got joy in chaos
I’ve got peace that makes no sense
I won’t be going under
I’m not held by my own strength
‘Cause I’ve built my life on Jesus
He’s never let me down
He’s faithful in every season
So why would He fail now
He won’t, He won’t
He won’t fail…
He won’t fail…
He won’t, He won’t
He won’t fail…
He won’t fail…
Christ is my firm foundation
The rock on which I stand
When everything around me is shaken
I’ve never been more glad
That I put my faith in Jesus
He’s never let me down
He’s faithful through generations
So why would He fail now
He won’t, He won’t
He won’t fail…
He won’t fail…
He won’t, He won’t
He won’t fail…
He won’t fail…
Rain came and wind blew
My house was built on You
I’m safe with You
I’m gonna make it through
Rain came and wind blew
My house was built on You
I’m safe with You
I’m gonna make it through
Rain came and wind blew
My house was built on You
I’m safe with You
I’m gonna make it through
I’m going to make it through
‘Cause I’m standing strong on You
I’m going to make it through
‘Cause my house is built on You
Christ is my firm foundation
The rock on which I stand
When everything around me is shaken
I’ve never been more glad
That I put my faith in Jesus
He’s never let me down
He’s faithful through generations
So why would He fail now
He won’t, He won’t
He won’t fail…
He won’t fail…
He won’t, He won’t
He won’t fail…
He won’t fail…
Songwriters: Austin Davis / Chandler Moore / Cody Carnes
Firm Foundation (He Won't) lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing
