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Asking Questions and Advocating
My oldest daughter, Helena, was a preemie—born 9 weeks early with health concerns. The first four months of parenthood were unbelievably stressful. We were in and out of hospitals, dealing with IV antibiotics for cellulitis, and navigating a diagnosis of “failure to thrive.” I was just 26 when I became a mother, and I felt completely out of my element.
But I remember one moment clearly: a home nurse told me to do something that didn’t feel right. Another time, I caught a mistake a doctor had made. In those moments, I realized something important—medical professionals, as skilled and dedicated as they are, are still human. And I had to be the one to ask questions and advocate for my daughter.
That realization changed everything. I hadn’t gone to medical school, but I had been there—present, every day, in the NICU. I wasn’t trained in nursing, but I had learned how to administer IV drugs, taken notes, and paid attention. I knew my daughter, and I had to trust what I knew. I had to speak up.
Let me be clear: I have deep respect for our medical professionals. My daughter wouldn’t be alive today without a gifted surgeon and a diligent care team. But they’re not always right—and that’s okay. Now, I look for doctors who are willing to say, “I don’t know,” or “I’ll need to investigate that,” or “I’m going to refer you to a specialist.” Honesty matters. And so does listening.
I share this story because part of my calling is to visit people in hospitals and walk with you through difficult health journeys. Having experienced this with my own parents and daughter, I know how overwhelming it can be to process medical information. Sometimes you need extra ears and minds—someone to ask questions you haven’t thought of.
I pray regularly for those of you going through medical treatments, and I will continue to do so. I also want to encourage you: speak up. Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t understand,” or “How will this affect my quality of life?” Our physical health is just one part of what it means to live fully. Our relationships, mental and spiritual well-being—they matter too. And our care teams should be thinking about how all of these things work together.
This may feel like an unusual reflection the week before Holy Week. But when I think about Jesus’ final days—how quickly things turned from celebration to suffering—I’m reminded that God knows what it’s like when life shifts suddenly. God is present, even in the hardest moments.
God, our healer, meets us in our vulnerability—not just to hear our concerns, but to offer wisdom, guidance, and love. And I want you to know: if you’re going through something hard, our church is here. We’re here to pray, to walk with you, to ask questions, and to advocate alongside you. You are not alone.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
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