Anagrams, Acronyms, Alliteration
(February 2022)
My near fatal accident reminds me of the importance of First Aid. Pre accident I had remained accredited since training with Jackie when we lived in Exmouth decades ago. Last month I began work on First Aid requalification. My certificate had lapsed during recovery from my own injuries. First Aid training, including Mental Health First Aid, has many awesome acronyms to help First Aiders, remember and prioritise actions, during lifesaving periods.
The most famous…
Dr ABC
D Danger (Safety)
R Response from Casualty
A Airway
B Breathing
C Circulation/Call for Help
Additional acronyms include:
Sprains and Strains: RICE (Rest, Ice, Comfort position, Elevate)
Burns: SCALD (Size, Cause, Age, Location, Depth)
Responsiveness: AVPU (Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive)
Stroke: FACE (Face, Arm, Speach, Time)
Head Injury: SHOP (Speed, Height, Object, Protection)
History: SAMPLE (Signs & Symptoms, Allergy, Medication, Previous History, Last Meal, Event History)
ALGEE (Assess risk, Listen without judgement, Give information, Ecourage professional help, Encourage self help and support) is used for Mental Health First Aid action planning by many organisations.
First Aid is the essential start to an ongoing life-saving process. It’s not the end of recovery for the casualty. The final step of First Aid, however extended, is handover to more complete, knowledgeable and professional help. But, even a Dr works within limitations.
Spiritual First Aid.
I have attended no course with this title, but my suggested acronym would not be Dr ABC but…
St XYZ
A First Aider is not a Dr but might be where the medical help is needed. A St is not God, but may act with the very presence of God.
God is present through his people, his creation. God is the eternal relational connection for all healing; emotional, physical and spiritual. We are all spiritual casualties, damaged by our sin.
S Spiritual Sensitivity
Spiritual First Aid requires sensitivity to the needs of individuals and awareness of the will and presence of God. Strong relationships can take time to develop. We should not just approach, engage when it suits us, and expect others to be ready to say ‘our’ prayer for their lives. Different people have different spiritual journeys. His love is for all.
“Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.” (1 Peter 3:8)
T Timely Trust
We might pray extensively for friends and relatives in our desire that they put their trust in God. Individuals might want some ‘proof’ or personal revelation before they commit faithfully to God. Timing can be frustrating. Some may need ongoing monitoring time in a recovery position before becoming responsive.
God’s timing, in the context of eternity, can also differ to our own. I have missed his involvement at difficult times. His significant love and care for a better future has often become obvious much later.
“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:8-9)
X The Cross of Christ
We can miss Christ at XMAS, but X marks the spot or we miss the point completely.
God’s love is real, transcending all contexts. There is more to Love than Valentine’s Day in February.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17)
Y Yield
We are all imperfect. Sin separates us from God. We can’t earn our way back to God. Christianity has a solution that is distinguishing.
“This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:22-24)
Salvation is not achieved through payment by our own good works, prayers or fasting… Only Jesus can meet the cost. GRACE (God’s Rescue At Christ’s Expense) We can’t do it on our own, we need to put self second and yield to God to become more fully connected with His work, purpose, power and potential for our lives. Yield our life and will to our God.
Z Zoom.
We need to see His perspective with His focus by His spirit. We can’t just focus on some small theological detail that might suit us. We need to Zoom, in and out, repeatedly to more fully appreciate the majesty and meaning of the full picture. Take the TEXT out of CONTEXT and you are left with a CON.
Temporary status and wealth might attract us, but distract us from the context of Love of value for eternity. We need FAITH. (Forsaking All I Trust Him – Full Assurance In The Heart)
More letters of the alphabet…
Our ABC is often about us. We need to get to XYZ to see the full picture. The Greek alphabet has alpha to omega. God in fullness is the Alpha and Omega, beginning and end.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)
Spiritual First Aid. St XYZ
We should move from First to Eternal.
We should move from Aid to Salvation.
First Aid for Eternal Salvation.
Justification + Regeneration + Sanctification = Salvation (J.C. Ryle Holiness p46-83)
Holy Spirit, Scripture and Prayer -better than medical relief.
Spiritual First Aid prepares for the successful handover to God, the ultimate healer. He responds to our spiritual 999/112 call for help. He knows us better than anyone, professional or otherwise.
“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:7)
Holy Spirit.
Once handed over, we are not without ongoing support. We need to be filled by His Spirit so that He is always with us.
“But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:26-27)
Holy Scripture.
The Bible is full of what others have learned about their journey with God. Don’t forget your ANCESTOR ENACTORS. We can learn greatly from them. We should keep focused because there are PICTURES in SCRIPTURE to help U RESCRIPT your own life.
“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8)
Holy Prayer.
God is with us now. We should PRAY (Pause, Rejoice & Reflect, Ask, Yield) to live with Him. Thank you Lectio 365 for that one.
“I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer.” (Psalm 17:6)
Conclusion
This month I have enjoyed consideration of anagrams and acronyms. However clever or helpful they might be, it’s our connection with God that makes the difference.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
FAREWELL. Your WELLFARE is important to Him. All Christians are called to be Spiritual First Aiders, cerified or otherwise, with a wide diversity of skills to share and make available to God.
Avoidable ‘Amusing’ Alphabetically Anchored Appendix.
An appendix acknowledging and administrating alliteration as an alternative anagram, acronym, analogy approach. Authored alliteration, applied again additionally. Always alert and available, amazing action appeals. After attending all accidents and assisting, an absolutely almighty… aaahhh also appears. Another anguished approach arrived, affording actual anxiety. An accredited, able, awesome and aiding answer, actually announced, affirms any actions applied accordingly. Amen. Adieu.