The Knowing of Hard Things

 

There are some occupations that require those involved in them to basically keep secrets. They are to tuck away the hard things and are not allowed to discuss those things with anyone else. My sister is an ER nurse and recently she sent a group text to me and our other sister to pray for a serious situation. She shared no pertinent details such as names or even gender but just a few general facts to allow us to know how to pray for the person and for her also as it was difficult for her mentally. It dawned on me after I prayed that it must be so hard to see patients come in with very serious injury or illness and understand how dire things are and still be professional and give comfort and aid to the patient and the family members. I'm grateful that when she is overwhelmed in a situation that her first reaction is to contact us so that she can draw from the One who can help most through our prayers. 

Doctors and all in the medical field, police officers, social workers, and those in ministry must keep their knowledge confidential. This knowing of hard things can at times be difficult to bear alone. 

Being a burden bearer can be lonely and if you are not careful you can allow the knowledge to overwhelm you and depression can sink in. Being a former pastor's wife allowed me to understand all of this in an up close and personal way. My husband knew more things than I did, though we more often than not, did counseling together. Still, his burdens were much greater. Knowing all about everyone's trials is one of the downsides to ministry life. Being upbeat and positive and smiling as you carry the burdens of so many others can wear on a person. It takes the grace of God to bring peace in the midst of the knowledge. 

I have known firefighters and first responders who have nightmares because of the gruesomeness they have witnessed. For them, I think it is not so much that they can't share what they witness if they leave out names it's more that most people don't want to hear gory details of the things they see. It's too much for the average person without training so they get to know those hard things with only their co-workers. It's probably what helps them bond as a unit. Very much like those who fight together in a war. 

Anyhoo, just a shout out to those who must know the hard things and keep it to themselves. And remember this the next time someone with a tough job seems detached or aloof because they are just needing some time to process through and compose themselves so that they don't expose too much about the situation.