Every clinic is unique. You never know what you will see. However, this scene was unusual—or was it?
She was another guest, like the 223rd that day. Escorted to the dental area and through triage, she was guided to X-ray. She hesitated making way to the chair where the X-ray tech could take the needed photos. With that hesitancy, she paused before taking her seat and apologized to those waiting to do their part in this all-volunteer clinic.
At first, one makes assumption about the story her obviously disturbed body language was telling. Who likes having someone drilling holes in your teeth, no matter how sweet that screaming machine operator might be. And that needle! Yikes! Was she filled with the fear of a painful thirty minutes of high-pitched torture, followed by a Novocain induced palsy? Or was it that she found herself in a school cafeteria that was dressed like a dental assembly line? Was the reason she was beginning to cry because she had been enduring the agony of a tooth ache? Was it just that she was surrounded by strangers, in a strange place, with extreme insecurity? Her eyes were telling a story.
She apologized saying, “I’m sorry.” [More pause.] “I’m just emotional.” Her accent was unfamiliar. The tender X-ray tech put a reassuring hand on her shoulder allowing her time and permission to feel whatever she needed at that moment.
Slowly she sat down and begin dabbing her eyes with a tissue. What a gentle and sweet soul. Something was causing her to weep. It was difficult for her to speak. Then she forced out the words: “They told me there was this place I could go that was free. I thought they were lying.”
“I thought they were lying.” Is that what some people think who come to a Compassion Clinic? Is that what people experience—a jaded life in a cruel society? Their principle belief is, “If it is free, it must be a lie.” For many, their history has written the narrative that nothing is free. There must be a catch. There has got to be a trap that is set ready to spring. Somehow, this is going to cost me dearly in the end. What percentage of those precious souls, wandering alone in need of care, think free dental care must be a lie? Is it that pervasive? Is that the norm?
She composed herself again and said, “But I came here, and it’s true.” With that she calmly slumped in the chair and wept, wiping the tears, and sobbing gently. It wasn’t fear. She was overwhelmed by compassion and filled with gratitude.
The tech gave her a hug. “It’s because Jesus loves you.”
Now it was hard not to join them in the tears.
Is this unusual? Or is this the more common experience clinic guests have buried in the pit of their soul; this exhausted outlook on life surprised by the kindness shown by so many volunteers. Guests regularly write reviews stating, “The volunteers are so welcoming.” “This is such a wonderful place.” “I love what you are doing here—keep up the good work.” “This was such a blessing to me and my family.”
It is clear here in our affluent country, that not everyone enjoys the fruit of the pursuit of happiness, but rather they are merely surviving the harsh reality of struggle, scarcity, and desperation. Their plight may come from a plethora of self-inflicted wounds, or circumstance beyond their control, or simply the result of a chaotic social background. Peace and security are far from reality. So, for some it makes sense, “I thought they were lying.”
But it is true. There are countless number of churches filled to the brim with eager, compassionate hearts waiting to find a niche where they can refute that lie. People do care. People want to contribute, without payment, without recompense, just because they have experienced for themselves the sacrificial and free gift of grace offered by Jesus. They are eager to be a blessing to others because of the overwhelming compassion they have experienced.
Maybe it is not unusual. Maybe the scene is more common than previously thought. Maybe many are coming to the clinic and finding a different narrative. Maybe Compassion Clinics are transforming some precious souls from an outlook on life that is commonly “I thought they were lying,” to being overwhelmed with compassion.
Touched by this story of hope? Please take a moment to visit our website to learn more about our work and how you can help spread compassion in your community.
