My Electronic Albatross...
Medicare and corporate hospice organizations require massive documentation of care for each visit to every patient. To accomplish this,...
Back-up Singer for Jesus
I’ve sung in choirs, quartets, and even duets for years. My favorite role is singing harmony for a strong lead singer. Solos, on the...
A Moment of Lucidity
I was visiting a patient with severe Dementia. Her husband had cared for her for a total of 10 years. She was now emaciated, a tiny...
If You Knew When You'll Die....
In hospice chaplaincy circles, stories abound of people who “knew” when they would die. Doctors, nurses, social workers, and other...
Your Dying Words...Today!
I recently sat with a dying man to encourage and pray for him during his last hours on this earth. I’ll call him “Bill.” As he drifted in...
Jumbo Shrimp and Selfish Christians
We've all heard of oxymorons. You know, those self-contradictory phrases that make us smile. "Bittersweet," "clearly confused," and...
Robocalls, Robocars, Robopastors?
In this high-tech age, I've often wondered out loud where the reach and impact of robotic and automated AI systems will end. Almost daily...
Fear Not!
I started a new job recently as a hospice chaplain. I barely slept for nights beforehand. I worried about my clothes, my approach as an...
The Pursuit of Dignity
Once, I was visiting a care facility where I’m a chaplain. I noticed people acting awkward around me, but assumed they were just having a...
Praise Before Peace
One remarkable element of the Christmas story is the appearance of thousands of angels to shepherds on the night of Jesus' birth. Luke...