Thursday, July 30, 2020
Being an usher a light in a dark world
Being an Usher (Being that light in a dark world)
How to be a minister of assistance
On being an Usher
An excellent friend helped me to crystallize this thought that was poking at the back of my consciousness. That was how to render assistance or help on an independent basis without the involvement of a larger organization. This effort to be of help would be mostly local and at my discretion. Entirely my choice to do or not to do. My discussions with my friend and former coworker let the following concept—the concept of being an usher.
Usher: verb
show or guide (someone) somewhere.
"a waiter ushered me to a table."
synonyms:
escort, accompany, help, assist, take, show, see, lead, show someone the way
, lead the way, conduct, guide, steer, pilot, shepherd, or convoy
"he ushered him to a window seat."
The ways someone can help are diverse and numerous. At the minimum, it's being courteous and gracious to all and assisting others while and where one can. At maximum, it would require 1st aid training in the event one comes upon a grave need that could be met until official parties arrive, then fading into the crowd without recognition or praise. Do what is needed, then move on. This is not for extra credit, the blessing of monetary award. If that happens without one's influence, then ok, but we are not shopping for that just to be of service.
For example, the Child lost and crying in the mall; an usher will not walk past. They will Shepard the young one to the nearest mall security worker and explain the circumstances waiting to be relieved or to being asked to stay with the young person until the authorities arrive.
This endeavor is not risk-free. The possibility that your intentions will be questioned is genuine, and the only defense you can have is the truth that should not be avoided.
When I was active duty military, I was required to take a course in self-aid, buddy-care, and CPR. That would be useful skills to obtain. Please note you are not a lawyer or advocate, but just a concerned citizen that wants to help. If the party does not wish to be supported, then report the incident to the authorities. The usher is then free to move on, knowing that the job was done to the best of one's ability. It is also not your job to break up and physical altercations. Rendering 1st aid is one thing participating in the melee is another thing altogether. Defending one's self is a judgment call that has to be made on the spot as I can't advise anyone on what should and should not be done. That is the risk of being an usher; there are no hard and fast rules or guidelines. This has the possibility that any encounter may not come out to one's advantage. The chance of a negative result as a result of being of assistance is s distinct possibility. That chance has to be assumed by anyone assisting anyone in a time of crisis. A person's motives will be questioned in the aftermath. Remember, this can be as small or as involved as one wishes to make it. I'm sure there won't be a problem with wheeling a patient being released from a clinic to a waiting vehicle. About the training, it will go a long way to explaining the circumstance of your aid of one is certified by a major national organization. A few are listed below and can are local to most locations.
Resources:
https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/first-aid/first-aid-training
The American Red Cross offers classes on 1st aid, and other entities do the same.
https://www.nsc.org/safety-training/first-aid
https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.151
finally, there is a biblical reference to the concept.
"What is the spiritual gift of helps?"
Answer: The spiritual gift of helps is found in one of the spiritual gifts lists in the Bible. The Greek word translated "helps" in 1 Corinthians 12:28 is found only there in the New Testament; therefore, the exact meaning of the gift of helps is somewhat obscure. The word translated "helps" means literally "to relieve, succor, participate in, and/or support." Those with the gift of helps are those who can aid or render assistance to others in the church with compassion and grace. In the application listed above application, there is only the greater church of your neighbors and communities.
This concept of being an usher, is what I was thinking about for months. It took a good friend that I served with and known for years to bring it home for me. This thought of being an usher is an outward expression of unrequited love for one's fellows.
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