Comments on: Rejected by 911

By: Matt Dabbs

Matt Dabbs — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 02:07:23 +0000

I was at a pool party for a 5 year old this afternoon. One boy, 3 years old hoped in the pool and went under. His parents saw it and shouted to the lady who was 2 feet away from him to help. She just sat there and looked at him under the water! I couldn’t believe it. They ran over and grabbed him out. He was fine. But I couldn’t get over that there was an adult 2 feet away who clearly saw what was happening, heard the paren’ts shouts and did nothing.

By: preacherman

preacherman — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 02:28:00 +0000

I wish it were a parable but it is the reality of the poor and uninsured of America. I pray that God will be with the Rodriguez family during this time of loss and that American will come the realization of the need to care for the poor and uninsured in our nation. I pray that God will heal this land.

By: Tim Perkins

Tim Perkins — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 20:53:49 +0000

Fajita: Your comment is so accurate.

By: Fajita

Fajita — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 03:50:25 +0000

Hate by indifference.

By: Matt Worthington

Matt Worthington — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 21:40:52 +0000

Man this sounds like a wake up call for… Well I don’t know, the American Health Care System? or… Everybody I guess?

Here’s the link to the story for those who wanted it… And Mike’s not glazing any of this. According to ABC, what Mike said in a few sentences is true.

http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=3273239&page=1

By: Roland

Roland — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:58:13 +0000

Can you provide a link to this? I am sure there is more to the story. There always is.

By: Julia

Julia — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 16:01:20 +0000

Actually two other people called 911 to report the hospital and ask for an ambulance to pick her up and move her. Finally some one made enough of a ruckus that the police came. They didn’t take her to another hospital, but into custody since she had an outstanding warrent. She died in police custody !!!

By: Beth

Beth — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 14:03:28 +0000

I can see the parable aspect at work in the situation, and agree that it certainly applies. What grieves me more is the state of hospitals and “care” facilities right here in the USA–especially in urban areas. As the wife of a physician in Houston, I hear many stories of system failure (meaning administratively), patients not well informed, and lack of communication. However, this is not the topic at hand, but it led me to think on it.

By: Keith

Keith — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 13:40:25 +0000

I wouldn’t have considered it being like a parable until you mentioned it. Reminds me of the post a few weeks back you did on the world renowned musician who played on the street and no one really noticed. Opposite end of the spectrum but both examples point to a self absorbed society that we have become. God help us to stop and seek the daily opportunities to serve; they’re usually within striking distance.

By: toby

toby — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 13:39:45 +0000

It is a parable. Far too often people are not helped because they do not “deserve” it. In our minds they are reaping the mistakes they have sown. We should help the “healthy”, not the “sick”. But Jesus came for the sick. I am realizing this so much more since some wonderful Christians reached down and helped me in my dark night of the soul brought on by my own mistakes and failures. I surely did not deserve it. Praise God for his mercy and for His people who do reach out to the wounded!

By: Mrs. B

Mrs. B — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 13:32:02 +0000

Ouch! That hits home. I see it… we (the church) are the hospital not helping and Christians are the 911 operators refusing to help. Man are we blind…

By: Terry Rush

Terry Rush — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 13:24:27 +0000

It is a clear parable, Mike.

911 is the team of rescue. If no one else can or will, we are to rest assured 911 will hear our cries. It’s easy for us to be critical of whatever reason they had for finding themselves distracted.

However, I feel sure I have been caught on angel-video ignoring pleas for help while I studied for Sunday’s sermon on taking responsibility via the Good Samaritan epic.

The parable is for me.

By: annie

annie — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 13:21:03 +0000

Laura, Will Harding’s new International program–HIZ(Harding in Zambia)—work some at your mission? I ask because I know two or three of the kids that will be a part of the inaugural group going in the fall.

Your comments are much appreciated.

By: Paula Harrington

Paula Harrington — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 12:04:34 +0000

it’s definately a sign of the “me first” or “me only” culture. Sadly, there are many lost souls around us crying out everyday but like the poor lady in the hospital being ignored.

Laura, tell the Merritts I said hello.

By: laura oldenburg

laura oldenburg — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 06:53:44 +0000

Mike
I do remeber other instances where this type of tragedy has happened. As a nurse I am grieved that hospitals and those who have taken an oath to help no matter what, seemed to have seared their consciences. This in a country where we pride ouselves on being the”good neighbor”. Maybe we need to learn a lesson from a less developed country. Here in Namwianga Mission, Zambia Africa, I see poor desperate people reaching out to help others. They offer food from a small amount they have, they give shelter to others in their mud floored hut, and they try to help each other get medical care from a much less well prepared system than we have at home in the states. No one is ever turned away. Is it that the Zambians have less to lose when they give and provide? Or is it that they stand in awe of God and all of his creatures not stand with a fist doubled up at God saying ” You arent big enough to make me do good”.