We all have experienced nudging to write a “word of thanks” or one which carries encouragement. That happened to me recently after reading the article in Today’s News-Herald that featured Jean Bishop’s reflections after 30 years of public service. There was a lot on my plate that day, yet the article seemed to warrant taking time to thank this woman who has helped so many through her career as a Mohave County Supervisor.
After a little push to clear my desk saw me putting words to paper. What surprised me was Jean Bishop’s immediate response saying she was moved emotionally by my note. She spoke of having shared it on her social media page.
Jean called saying, “I took the liberty to put your letter on my Facebook page. I hope you are okay with that.” I said, “Sure, no problem”--then asked Jean how she would feel about this interaction being shared with others.
She responded, “Please do as I was deeply touched by your message.” Based on Jean’s “Okay,” here is my note to her: Dear Jean Bishop, today, you need flowers and beautiful cards. I hope and pray these come to you.
It sounds like your retirement will be great. Please be well--and “go for the gusto!” I want to also thank you for being honest in the article of July 31. It allows me to know pain and ingratitude came your way.
I am sorry for that. People are afraid these days. This is probably truer now than ever.
And anger, along with hurt, are present for many people, in varying degrees, while experiencing fear. At the bottom of hurt and anger is fear. So, pat yourself on the back for hanging in there with a career of working with people who can go off the chart with their hurt/anger/fear to the point of wanting someone else to hurt.
Of course sometimes we all encounter people who enjoy hurting others as it makes them feel less afraid, more able to handle their sense of being “a loser” or “less than.” Forgiving them can be hard, but it is surely a salve for the soul once we can do it. Jesus said, “Pray for your enemies,” No doubt He knew the healing effect that comes to us when we do so.
(It is a hard thing to do...
for most of us.) The Lord bless you and keep you, Jean, as you go forward. And, if you ever want to talk, please call.
..leaving a message for me so I can reach you in return.
En fin — What a good soldier you have been! Let the truth of your good work soak your soul, leaving no room for former “hassles.” Wouldn’t it be wonderful if readers, today, would feel the urge to write a note of appreciation to one of our leaders during this election time, which appears to be creating a lot of angst with the oncoming “changing of the guards?” Let’s show these dedicated people that there is more “out there” than accusations and attacks. Let’s open our hearts and extend kindness and appreciation to those who have worked hoping to bring better services to Mohave County.
Joy Le Page Smith is a Board certified clinical chaplain. Her articles and blogs are read in 32 countries. Joy’s four books are available on her home page at Healing-with-Joy.
com where readers can view her children’s book titled, The Little Mountain Goat Who Was Afraid of High Places..
