ICU is the abbreviation for Intensive care Unit. Just recently my grandfather (DA) was admitted into the ICU at a hospital in Americus, Georgia. DA suffered from a kidney infection and the poison from the infection got into his blood stream and went straight to his brain. He did suffer some brain damage and we are not sure if he will recover or not. Each day as I try to obtain an update on his current situation, the nurse's station would always transfer me to the ICU waiting room. The person that answered the phone was always very friendly and would locate my aunt so that I could talk to her.

For those who have never had to sit in an ICU waiting room, and I pray that you never do, you may not realize that the person on the other end of the phone also has someone they love in ICY. I believe the world would be a better place if we would treat others the same way families treats other families in the ICU waiting room. As Christians we can learn how to be Christ-like from these individuals and families.

When you enter this ICU waiting room you start our as strangers, but you quickly learn their names. You listen as they explain about their loved one. Not only do you share information about each other but you share your food as well. You pray for each other and you help take care of each other. There are times when yous it in silence together and times when you cry together. You start off as strangers,  but then you become family.

ICU can also represent I SEE YOU. everyday, we come in contact with family, friends, and complete strangers who are hurting on the inside. It is my hope and desire that God would allow us to truly see how others are doing. We need to invite the Holy Spirit to help us recognize these individuals so that we may be used by God to reach out.

"Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it," Hebrews 13:1-2 . I believe these verses are exemplified through families I have witnessed in the ICU waiting room. Loving each other as brothers means that we love each other because we are brothers and sisters in Christ. What make this difficult is that life keeps us so busy and focused on what we have to accomplish. We become blind to those around us who are in need. Even though we may ask someone, "How are you doing?" we really mean, "I hope you are OK, but if you are not, I do not have time to listen."

In Matthew 25:31-46 , Jesus gives each of us the same challenge of helping those in need. Jesus teaches us that when one meets the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of a stranger, then they also meets His needs. I hope that each of us becomes an I SEE YOU Christian. Let each of us truly start to see others the same way Jesus sees them.

Prayer Focus this month: Let's pray for families who are currently in those ICU waiting room. We need to pray that God will give them His comfort and strength as well as bring His healing touch to their loved one.

Blessings

- Pastor Keith