In care work we are told to be politically and religiously neutral. In many cases this is probably a great idea. I certainly wouldn’t want to get into a political debate with the people I was providing personal care to. However, I cannot and will not be religiously neutral.
Every single one of our customers is asked if they follow a religion. A high percentage say they are Christian. Whether they are or not is a matter between them and God. I can only show them God’s love through my patience, and kindness in caring for them, and in doing the best job I can do.
As a uniformed care worker, I wear a watch fob. Nothing surprising there, most of us do. What may be surprising is the meaning behind mine and the reasons as to why I chose the one I did.
So here it is. Yes, it’s a foot! Some may think this is a little tactless when so many of the people I visit have trouble with their feet and walking. But, I wear it as a religious symbol. A way of saying,
I walk with God
A visual reminder of my favourite Poem:
Footprints
a way of remembering that if I walk in God’s steps,
I will be safe.
And perhaps most importantly to remind me that as Jesus himself took on the role of washing the feet of his disciples, I too need to follow his lead in caring and following his example of active service.
I pray that my customers can see the difference in me, and that through my actions they can see the love of God and experience the peace and healing power of God’s work in their lives.