This bimonthly newsletter, Volume 2 Number 5 August-September 2017 produced by Pastoral Care Services/Office of Diversity and Inclusion, will highlight Spirituality Spotlight: Rastafarianism some of the spiritual and by Chaplain Terry Wilson religious beliefs held by pa- tients and their families, The Rastafarian religion was developed in Kingston, to healing. They believe that the concept of health providers and others in the Jamaica, in the 1920s and 30s. Rastafarians believe in extends to three spheres, namely mind, body, and soul, though sometimes the psychological and spiritu- MUSC community. It will the Judeo-Christian God, whom they call Jah. In gen- eral, Rastafarian beliefs are based in Judaism and al can be categorized together. Healing is an art. Its offer strategies for staff self- sphere of relevance applies not only to physical and care as well as information Christianity, with an emphasis on Old Testament laws, prophecies, and the book of Revelation. The mental illnesses, but also to what one may call ‘ills,’ to better address the spiritu- following terms, practices, and beliefs in the Rastafar- which have their roots in social conditions. Rastafari- al needs of the diverse pa- ian religion will help you to better understand pa- an ideology dictates that human beings are so central tients and families that we tients of this faith. to the cosmos that if there is an illness, God will have serve. provided a cure for us. They acknowledge that for Jah – Manifested on earth as Jesus, whom Rastafari- any condition there is both a spiritual and natural ans believe was black. Emperor Haile Selassie is re- cause, though the first assumption is always that it is Interfaith Calendar Highlights ferred to as His Imperial Majesty or H.I.M. purely physical. (pronounced "him"), and believed to still be alive. He August 1. Tish’a B’av (Jewish). Practices - Rastafarians are well known for their Day of fasting in remembrance of is worshipped as divine. the destruction of the temple in religious use of marijuana. They call the cannabis 586 BCE and AD 70. End of Life - Rastafarians do not believe in an after- plant “ganja”, the holy herb, Iley or callie, and believe life, but instead look to Africa ("Zion") as a heaven it was given by God. The nyabinghi is a nighttime August 15. Krishna Jayanti on earth. True Rastafarians are believed to be im- drumming and dance ritual held on Rasta holidays and (Hindu). Commemoration of the special occasions. Nyabinghis can last for days and birth of Krishna—the eighth mortal, both physically and spiritually, a concept incarnation of the god Vishnu, called "ever living." An important Rastafarian concept bring together hundreds of Rastafarians from all over who took the form of Krishna to is "I and I," said instead of "you and I." It emphasizes Jamaica. destroy the evil king Kansa. the oneness between humanity and God as well as Dreadlocks - One of the most visible practices of August 26 - September 4. the equality of all humans. Paryushana Parva (Jain). Festi- Rastafarians is the wearing of one's hair in dreadlocks. val signifying human emergence Death - For Rastafarians, illness and death are the Dreadlocks have several purposes and layers of into a new world of spiritual and result of an interference with the course of nature. meaning for Rastafarians, including: the biblical com- moral refinement. Marked by They are extremely proud of their health and vigor, mand not to cut one's hair (Leviticus 21:5); the ap- recitation from sacred writings pearance of a lion's mane, representing strength, and family exchange of cards/ which they attribute to upright living and to the use Africa, Ethiopia, and the Lion of Judah. Many Rastafar- letters. of herbs, especially ganja. ians have dreadlocks, but all people with dreadocks August 31. Hajj Day (Islam). Diet - The most observant Rastafarians follow a are not necessarily Rastafarians. Pilgrimage rites in the holy city dietary law called “ital”, derived from the word Mecca. "vital." Ital food is completely natural (not canned, Sources: http://www.religionfacts.com/rastafarianism September 1-4. Eid al Adha free of chemicals and preservatives) and eaten raw. https://caribbeanreligionuvm.wordpress.com/ (Islam). Festival recalling Abra- category/natural-healing-and-medicine/ ham’s willingness to sacrifice his Health Care - Rastafarians take a holistic approach son in obedience to Allah.
September 21-22. Rosh Hasha- nah (Jewish) / Hijra (Islam). New Year celebrations. Health Care Religious/Cultural “Zebras” and Stereotypes August 8, 2017 September 22. Mabon (Wicca/ 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Pagan). Observance of autumn Theater 300 Clinical Science Building (CSB) equinox.
This monthly program provides a forum for MUSC September 30. Yom Kippur care team members to debrief difficult cases and (Jewish). Day of Atonement, Patient-Centered Care: Challenges and Re- share strategies to support families, colleagues, and observed with strict fasting and wards repentance of sins. themselves. One hour of Diversity Education training will be provided. Participants must register via September 12, 2017 Source: http://www.interfaith- MyQuest. The following programs are planned for 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm calendar.org August and September. 300 Clinical Science Building (CSB)
Page 2 August-September 2017
WHAT DID YOU LEARN? Get to Know a Chaplain In each issue, we will focus on a different member of MUSC Pastoral Care team. Which of these things is most helpful when speaking to parents who have
just experienced perinatal loss? Came to MUSC in: 1994
A. Assuring them they can have Hometown: Charleston, SC Rev. Melvin Williams, M.Div other babies. B. Telling them their baby is now Education and Training: Bachelor of Arts an angel in heaven. from Allen University; Master of Divinity from C. Inviting them to tell you about ITC Seminary; Clinical Pastoral Education resi- their baby if they would like to. dency at Grady Medical Center (Atlanta); retired
pastor in the AME (African Methodist Episcopal)
Church. The first team member to respond with the correct answer will be recognized in As a chaplain, what do you bring to the a future edition of the newsletter. Send MUSC team? “Thirty-two years of combined responses to [email protected] experience in military and correctional chaplain- cy, and psychiatric hospitals. I also bring wisdom and an appreciation of diversity and inclusion.”
What do you do to relax? “I enjoy gardening, Clemson University sports, and fishing.”
What is one thing you wish people knew Caring for Your Spirit by Chaplain Stacy about chaplains that most don’t? “Never Stephanie Chomos, RN Sergent forget that chaplains/ministers are human and at Nursing Professional times need support. Thank you to staff who en- Development Specialist courage and support us.” Correct answer from the Interesting/fun fact about you: “I enjoy June-July issue: bringing Krispy Kreme donuts for the staff! Some people call me the Donut Chaplain.” B. Speaking or praying in tongues.
Helping Patients Through Perinatal
Loss by Chaplain Stacy S. Lawton
It is not something anyone likes to think about, but perinatal loss is an issue we do sometimes have to face in healthcare. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines perinatal loss as “the loss of an infant through miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death.” This can be a time of intense grief for par- ents, and everyone from family members and friends to health care providers can be unsure what to Do you have topic ideas for future issues say to grieving parents. Here’s a list of some potentially hurtful things not to say, and some things or would like to provide general feedback that could be more helpful to say. (You can find more at missinggrace.org.) about the newsletter? If so, send an email to [email protected] HURTFUL Chaplain Stacy S. Lawton, Editor “He/she is in a better place.” For parents, there is no better place for their baby than in their arms. Compliments, complaints, or other “At least it wasn’t a real baby (in reference to ectopic pregnancy, for example).”/ “At least you acknowledgements about Pastoral Care weren’t very far along.”/ “At least you have other children.”/ “At least you didn’t have time to Services should be directed to: get attached yet.” Basically avoid anything that starts with “at least,” as it minimizes the loss. Chaplain Terry Wilson “Everything happens for a reason.” The loss of a child does not make sense to a parent. Manager, Pastoral Care Services “You can have another one.” Even if this is true, a new baby does not replace the one lost. [email protected] 843-792-9464
HELPFUL OR “I’m so sorry.” Simply acknowledging the sadness of the loss is always okay. Stephanie Taylor, MPS “_____ is a beautiful baby.” If the parents have said the baby’s name, it’s good for them to hear oth- Director, Diversity & Inclusion ers say it, a way of affirming the “realness” of their child. [email protected] “Would you like to tell me about your baby?” Even if their child never took a breath, parents often 843-792-2341
need to share memories of the pregnancy and dreams they had for their child, in order to grieve. Chaplains are available 24/7/365