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CHRISTIAN STORY: Gretchen-Physician of Faith
Read about Gretchen, ENT surgeon, retired US Navy Captain, wife, mother of two boys...Christian, whose gentleness and loving manner influences all those she encounters.
BELIEVER
PROFILE
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MEET GRETCHEN
Picture yourself sitting in the exam room at your doctor's office. You are there because you have severe pain in your sinuses that has gone on long enough, and is bad enough, you just want to lay your head down. You're waiting for the ear nose and throat specialist to come in and you think through how to explain how much your head hurts. You get ready to convince the doctor how bad you feel, and that you're sure it isn't just another cold. And you're prepared to talk quickly because you thing you won't have much time to explain before the doctor stops listening.
Then your anxiety about how to talk to the doctor changes to fear. What if I have something really wrong? What if I have to miss more days of work? What if the doctor tells me I need surgery?
Just as you've gotten yourself good and worked up, the door opens and in walks a petite, dark haired women who says in a gentle voice, "Hi, I'm Dr.Taylor, I am pleased to meet you and thank you so much for waiting. Tell me what I can do for you." Immediately, your anxiety and fear goes away. Instead you feel comforted...safe. The warm smile and genuine voice gives you a sense that you have come to the right place and you no longer feel alone with your pain.
Somewhere in the process, one of her assistants comes in to help. After a short time, it is apparent that they have an easy, cooperative working relationship. Instead of feeling awkward with another stranger. You feel doubly safe. Clearly, the assistant respects Dr. Taylor, but more curiously, it is clear she respects the assistant, and treats her with the same gentleness and patience you are receiving. It isn't just a practiced doctor-patient thinkg. She is just a kind, loving person who cares about others.
As you explain your symptoms, and have come to the point where you expect the doctor to become impatient, you realize that she is listening attentively, the warmth in her eyes not changing. She asks for information, you provide it and the exchange goes on until she is satisfied she has a true and total picture. Then she says, "You know your body and your history best. How does this compare to past pain. What have you tried before that worked and didn't?" After consideration, and another quick review of your chart, she says, "This is what I am thinking would be best. Tell me what you think?"
No longer afraid, you are grateful to be here. You have definitely come to the right place!
Although not apparent. what you have experienced is the kind and gentle influence of a woman of faith. Without a word, she has inspired you to be a little kinder, to listen more carefully and to be more aware of what makes others feel comfortable.
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37 Jesus said to him, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
Matthew 22:35-40
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SUBMIT YOUR TESTIMONY
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13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. .
Corinthians 13:13
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