Pastoral Care & Counseling Fall 1980

ARTICLE TOOLS

Find similar articles E-mail this page

The call came late on a Monday afternoon. From the anxious tone of voice and strained words, I knew his needs were greater than my abilities. Something was drastically wrong.

"Yesterday I visited the Sunday school class you teach. The things you said really touched my heart, and I was wondering if I could talk to you sometime. You see, I've been uneasy since the war."

When I began teaching a large Sunday morning class of single adults, the fear of calls like this one haunted me. It had been a pleasant surprise to find myself involved with a group of healthy people, some of whom were working creatively through the pain of a divorce, the death of a spouse, or the special problems of moving through life unmarried. Of course they had needs - deep, demanding ones. But there was the sense they were coping. The voice on the phone was different.

"I've been very uneasy since the war," he said again.

Uneasy since the war? Which war? Vietnam? Korea? World War II7 My mind raced to paint a picture of the person speaking to me. How long could a person be "uneasy" and not deal with it? Just how uneasy was this man? He continued to speak a staccato stream of words and tightly-clipped syllables in a voice drawn taut by an unseen hand of fear. My immediate reaction was to think, "Be nice, be polite, be gentle-but get rid of him!"

"Well, I'm glad you enjoyed the Sunday morning class," I said. "There are some fine folks in the group, and I'm sure you'll enjoy getting to know them. I hope you'll come back again. Thanks for calling."

It was as if I had not spoken.

"I'd really like to talk to you," he said. "Could we get together and have a cup of coffee sometime?" It was a request spoken in quiet desperation.

I hesitated, silently reviewing all the reasons ...

Like the preview? To read this complete article and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW! Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history. Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
It's easy and quick to join: 2-for-1 Deal. Two powerful resources for 1 great price! A 1-Year Membership to CTLibrary & a 1-year print subscription to the magazine of your choice! Enjoy your first 7days online FREE! Only $49.95 1-Year Membership Plus your first 7 days are FREE! You won't be charged until after your free trial. Only $49.95 1-Month Membership Includes automatic renewal each month. Only $9.95 1-Year for Print Subscribers Special offer if you are currently a print subscriber to Christianity Today, Leadership journal, Books & Culture or Christian History & Biography. Only $29.95 first year Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l		FREE e-Newsletter! Even if you're not a member you can take advantage of the free "Christian News & Research" twice monthly e-newsletter! Sign up today for the FREE e-newsletter!   Note: Members also automatically receive this free e-newsletter.