Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

Last week I was reminded of the not-so-joyful side of waiting. The reminder came after speaking with a young woman who was stressed out and upset.

A few weeks ago, Susan (not her real name) injured her shoulder. She works six days a week, almost 10 hours a day, for less than minimum wage. Susan has health care – Medicaid – and receives services through a clinic, located an hour away from her apartment. The clinic does not make appointments, so when Susan needs to see a doctor, she arrives at the clinic when it opens and waits.

When I spoke with Susan she was in tears. Her shoulder hurt, her doctor had recommended seeing a specialist, which meant one more trip to the clinic to see the doctor and get the required referral. That morning Susan got up early and went to the clinic. And waited. Three hours passed. Susan hadn’t been seen but she left the clinic so she wouldn’t be late for her shift. She was tired, stressed, frustrated, and angry.

At Thanksgiving, Susan had been full of plans for Advent. Baking for her friends. Spending time choosing gifts for people she loves, buying and decorating a small tree. On this day, she was beaten down, discouraged, and sad. The Christmas spirit seemed far away.

Like many people, Susan doesn’t have a lot of options. If she doesn’t go to work, she doesn’t get paid. If she’s sick, she goes to work anyway, fearful of losing her job if she stayed home. And, working six days a week, with her day off being Sunday, she cannot go and wait all day at the clinic for the medical care she needs.

My initial response to Susan’s story was routed in my own privilege. I heard myself asking, “What do you mean you can’t make an appointment?” and “Why don’t you just call in sick?” Not too long ago, Susan enjoyed the same privilege I take for granted. I live in a state where health care coverage is mandatory for all residents: good work has been done in developing affordable plans, more needs to be done to ensure access.

What are people of faith called to do to ensure that people all Americans have not only access to health care services, but also time to take care of their health? Individually we write letters and talk with our legislators; we vote. What can we do collectively? Jesus sent his disciples to “heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons” (Matthew 10:8).  As modern day disciples, preparing yet again for Christ’s birth, how are we answering God’s call to care for the least among us?