SWORDS OF IRON WAR – 42nd Day

FRIDAY                      17.11.2023

Early morning.

We walked the long corridors turning to the sliding doors. Toward us, medics rolled a bed. Beside it walked a woman. I turned my face to look at the patient. Yes, it was a soldier.

His face was black, one knee bent, a leg covered with an emergency blanket. Emergency IV of blood-filled bottles and clear fluids were attached to his body, rolling beside the bed.

The woman looked right at me. Clutching her handbag in a death hold, close to her body. Her face was crumpled as if she was trying not to cry. Her eyes pleading. I lowered my head and kept walking, holding my tears.

My hospital uniform can be deceiving. I am not a physician. I cannot save a life. But that plea in her eyes called me to prayer.

I am still praying and crying. God, please have mercy on Your people.

In our Northern Medical Facility, many of the staff are Arab Israelis. One can hear Arabic spoken often on every floor. My challenge with languages started at birth, so I don't understand Arabic at all. But I understand love. The care that is given in this hospital, whether in Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, or English is exemplary. I am concerned, however, for the families' reactions.

God, please help the families of the incoming soldiers to trust in You. Ensure them that the medical staff are all Israelis and the best people to look after their sons and daughters. That the medical care their children receive is supreme care and it is overseen by You – the Top Physician.

God, please turn all that agony into joy.

(Psalm 30:1-5)

The Word & The Sword

I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up, And have not let my foes rejoice over me. O Lord my God, I cried out to You, And You healed me. O Lord, You brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. Sing praise to the Lord, You saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favour is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.

אף על פי כן ולמרות הכל , שבת שלום

Nevertheless and in spite of everything, Shabbat Shalom