“Preach always, if necessary use words.”

By Chaplain Joel Peterson

During much of our relationships with those in distress, or our firefighters and their families, I have discovered that walking with someone in silence has the power to create trust in ways we cannot imagine. As a chaplain, I am often left wondering, “What is my role in this situation?” More often than not, I come back to the conclusion that what is called for are not my ‘words of wisdom,’ my insights on what God may or may not be doing, or even a verbal prayer. What is most understood and appreciated by those whom I serve are my presence and my willingness to sit, walk, or cry with them. Many of the hurts I encounter are cheapened and discounted by words that only serve to lessen my own anxiety. As a wise person once said, “Speak only if your words will improve upon the silence.” Silence is an intervention any chaplain can offer in assessing the needs of a victim or family.

I am reminded of one of my favorite passages – 1 Kings 19:11-13. It talks about an earthquake, a strong wind, and a fire…all powerful symbols… but the verse says that the Lord was not found in any of them. Rather the Lord was in the most unassuming place: a still small voice. Many times, our job as chaplains is just that: a still small voice. We are charged to maintain a non-anxious presence and with continuing to be advocates for those we provide care for and their families. These tasks may be met in a number of ways, but one of the strongest, I believe, is in the role of a silent companion. We become travelers on the journey for a time with our families and witness some of the greatest struggles they will ever face. Their pain cannot become our pain, for most of us possess our own. However, as fellow human beings first and chaplains second, we give immeasurable gifts simply with our compassion, empathy, and tears, as we choose words or silence, all the while honoring the life-changing events to which we are witness.

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