The journey continues!

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
—Philippians 3:13-14

Something special happened last week when the trustees, physician partners, employees and community leaders gathered to honor the changing of the guard, as University Community Health became Florida Hospital Tampa Bay Division.

Something special happened the day after the change and something special will continue to happen each day when you stop, look and listen to the call. The call started in the early 1960s as the dream for UCH emerged. The call to excellence and commitment to community and caring that has guided UCH these many years now will be part of the Tampa Bay Division as together we now express the mission as "Extending the healing ministry of Christ."

What’s in a name?

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.—Proverbs 22:1

Names are interesting aren’t they? Some selected for historical reason, others because of what they represent, still others totally different for "different’s" sake.

Some interesting names are those of towns in Florida: Howey In The Hills, Two Egg, Port Lonesome. Each has a story, like Two Egg, so named because during the depression a family would barter two eggs for sugar twice a week. It became a witty saying and it stuck!

Family names are quite similar, as last names can have many meanings: The name of the area lived in, task performed, family lineage.

On being family

This is why I weep and my eyes overflow with tears. No one is near to comfort me, no one to restore my spirit.
—Lamentations 1:16

Your first instinct on that day 10 years ago was to check on your loved ones, near and far. I did it as well. Living in Washington, DC, there was much to check on. Moer than 3,000 church members, 2,000 college students, and about 1,000 academy and elementary students, all aware of the disaster and many nowhere near family.

Who comforts you when family is not around?

The thousands caught in the midst of chaos in New York City were separated from family and friends. Dr. Steven Henkind, now of the AHS Medical Informatics division, walked out of the first tower as the first plane struck. In the ensuing chaos and subsequent collapse of both towers he described how people became family to one another and cared for total strangers. He described giving his dying cell phone to a gentleman so he could call his family; reviving a woman who had collapsed amidst the swirling debris, and simply holding her hand despite the chaos reminding her she would be ok.

Who comforts you when family is not around?

Moving Day

I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us.
—Philippians 3:13-14 TLB

Boxes and packing tape…bed frames and mattresses…dish boxes and packing paper…and packing tape…desks, chairs, tools, pictures, books, computers, wardrobe boxes and packing tape…hangers and shoes and packing tape and more shoes and more books!

It takes a lot to move a family.

We spent this past weekend helping friends move in after a long trip from California. Moving is at once tough, exciting, reflective and filled with hope.