This may sound strange, but if there is anything I miss about practicing medicine it is my rolling stool. I could not begin to estimate the number of hours I sat on the beige padded stool with no back support. From the cushioned perch I listened, observed, prescribed, prayed, laughed and cried. Probably what I did best, and maybe sometimes worst, was dole out advice. I gave advice covering many topics: illness and disease, marriage and other family relationships, faith and the Christian walk, diet and exercise, depression and anxiety, choices in life and of course, sex. It goes with the territory.
WHO ELSE WOULD YOU TALK TO ABOUT SUCH THINGS?
I was once told being a gynecologist is like being the village priest. Women tell you personal, intimate details of their lives. Both doctor and priest are sworn to complete confidentiality. Sins are confessed, secrets divulged. Being with the gynecologist or priest makes you feel vulnerable, exposed. The gynecologist and the village priest are the first to know when tragedy, infidelity, illness or death occur. By very nature, the gynecologist is there when the rabbit dies. For those of you too young to know what that means; the stick turned blue. Listening to people teaches much, about others and about yourself.
Proverbs 2:2, “turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding” NIV
STILL DOLING OUT ADVICE
Writing provides me an avenue to continue handing out advice and honestly, I love my readers. Thank you for following, sharing and inviting your friends to share our journey of encouragement. Over the years I hope I have gained insight that will prove useful. Trust me, I have heard it all! I have tried to listen to the needs of the human heart, mind and soul. Warning, I am brutally honest so I hope you are not easily offended. I mean well.
Ephesians 4:15, “But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head-Christ.” HCSB
VILLAGE PRIEST
A priest is defined as an authority on religious matters. No, that is not me. I have never been to seminary or had any formal training. I do love reading, studying and learning. Memorizing scripture has been a fun challenge too. The more I learn the Holy Bible, the more its truths transform me from the inside. I get excited and want to share what I learn. I suppose it was a perfect storm for me to write in practicing my new position as physician for the soul.
Psalm 119:169 , “Let my cry come right into your presence, God; provide me with the insight that comes only from your Word.” MSG
REAL PRIEST
In reality, a priest is a mediator. One who bridges the gap between humanity and God. Jesus is our high priest. Only Jesus is qualified. You see God is holy and therefore unapproachable. We must be blameless to enter His presence. I don’t know about you, but I am automatically disqualified. The only way for me to gain access to God is through Christ.
Hebrews 4:16, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” KJV
THRONE
Instead of stool in a cramped exam room, we are invited to the throne. Not the throne of judgement, but the throne of grace, where we find mercy and help. Anyone need a little mercy and help?
Get in to the Word and it will get in to you #BibleStudy
— Vickie Henderson (@VickiePetzH) June 30, 2015
I cannot emphasize the importance of in-depth Bible study. It positively changed my life. The first study I enrolled in I completed less than half of the lessons and attended half of the sessions. Despite feeling like a failure, I persisted. The next study I participated in I completed more and attended regularly. Eventually, I started leading Bible study. It was the easiest way to ensure I finished my lesson! In the past I had tried to read and study the Bible on my own. Maybe that works for you, but personally I need direction and I need accountability. If you get in to the Word you will either be changed or get out.
If you want to jump in and don’t know where to start, here are links to some of my favorite Bible studies:
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Would love for you to comment and share your favorite Bible study.
Dr. Henderson, I can not tell you how much joy I get from reading your blog and seeing your smiling face . You were my Dr. for 18 years and delivered both my sons, who are almost 17 & 14 now. Ouch. I just wanted to say thank you for all the years of wonderful care you provided me. You’re the bomb sister! I look forward to staying in touch through things like this.
Take care,
Deana Ford =)
Ouch is right! Yes I’m sure we laughed and probably cried. Thanks for following
Thank you for sharing your heart! Very wise words!
Thanks
I thoroughly enjoy your blog every week and glad you are sworn to complete confidentiality.
I only remember the good stuff
As someone who has sought your wisdom and advice in the past, I always gained hope from your counsel! Even in bad situations, my son being sent to prison and several other battles, you always helped me look at it from a different perspective than the one i was stuck in! You never neglected to assure me you were keeping Nick and myself in your prayers…..That is priceless to me!! You’ve never met my son personally, yet you prayed for him. I”m crying just typing this. 🙂 The way to a mother’s heart is through her children. 🙂 I am very blessed that i’ve had you as my “village priest” for many years. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and wisdom with all of us! Love ya bunches!!
Nothing like a fierce momma Thanks for sharing this