Cure & Care

Like money, sometimes even the most meticulous planning and management of time doesn’t mean much, if it’s scarce to begin with …and July for me was certainly one of those months where things were rather busy, and time to even just stop, think and maybe even blog a few reflections was indeed pretty scarce.

From the bits and pieces I’ve jotted on serviettes, in unsent txt msgs, as well as on those brilliant bits of paper or even complementary note pads we find in registration packs, I have however managed to collect a few thoughts, and throughout this month will be reflecting on them and blogging them out.

My July began with Involve 08 down in Wellington, which was an awesome opportunity to meet with and learn from many others who work with or for young people in a range of different vocational and professional sectors.

Of the many gems I came away with, the one that I’d like to touch on in this blog is something that I was reminded of this morning, particularly as the likes of Bailey Kurariki are bandied around in the news, yet again.

At Involve 08, among other equally important issues and concepts, the keynote address from Lloyd Martin (one of New Zealand’s very own Youth work experts) looked at “Cure and Care”, and how they are both vital in effectively working with those “at risk”, or even those of us who at one time or another may find ourselves in need.

Cure looks at the means needed to treat a particular dilemma or predicament. For example, a health professional may prescribe medication for an ailment; a judge may issue a protection order to aid in the event of unwelcome visitation; or a preacher in a sermon may shine some light on the importance of knowing about certain virtues like patience, love and grace.

Care on the other hand, looks at the ways in which one might more practically assist in the intrinsic healing or resolving of the particular dilemma or predicament; For example, following the issuing of a prescription, a caregiver may then step in to remind or encourage their child to take the medication that is prescribed; a councillor may assist in finding practical ways in which to deal with socially unacceptable behaviour or expressing oneself in socially acceptable ways; or interactions with family may easily conjure up in us an even greater understanding of patience, love or grace through constant practice in situations with loved ones.

With people, in order to address dilemmas or predicaments properly, a focus on the way in which one may best treat or cure, whilst also looking at the ways in which one is practically assisted or cared for is vital. It is not good enough to view means’ of care and cure in isolation, nor is it good enough to value one over the other.

How do we encourage both Cure and Care in our ministries, in our communities, in our parishes, and in our everyday lives?