Heavy (and not-so-heavy) Topics

My writing for the Gospel Coalition has delved into some somber territory lately — but hopefully in ways that will help.

The following two articles were published recently:

Postpartum Depression and the Christian

In the Debate Over Physician-Assisted Suicide, Words Matter

On a more lighthearted front, I recently gave an interview for How Do I Homeschool, which appears here.

Finally, I have an idea percolating for another book, this time about how to cling to faith in the hospital setting. I would love readers’ help and insight on this one. I may be sending out a survey to my email subscribers, and if any have thoughts they’d be willing to share, please message me!

Blessings to all.

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November 15, 2018

Faith, Homeschooling, Medicine

Responses

Patty

November 15, 2018

Please do write that book! You could bring such wisdom and insight and desperately needed help to many. I’ll support you for sure . Thank you in advance

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1. Katie Butler
  
  November 16, 2018
  
  Thank you for this encouragement, Patty!
  
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newpalpiano

November 15, 2018

By hospital setting, I don’t know if you mean as a patient or as a provider. I’d be glad to fill out your survey if it is the former, as my elderly, failing mother, that God would be merciful to take, but hasn’t, says she has lost her faith. She’s been in and out of hospitals and nursing homes. I’ve told her that after a full life of serving God, the devil is thrilled that she is succumbing to his fiery darts. We don’t know if she can’t help this thought or if she’s being stubborn. Don’t know if this is the kind of thing you are looking for. Jackie Callan Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

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1. Katie Butler
  
  November 16, 2018
  
  Thank you Jackie. I mean *both.* My thesis is that illness involves some of the deepest suffering known, yet modern medicine wrenches people — patients and practitioners alike — from a spiritual framework for dealing with such suffering. I would love to talk with you more as things evolve. More importantly, I will be praying for your mother, that she might know God’s love for her in Christ. And for you and your family as you aim to help her.
  
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shauna

November 15, 2018

I like your book idea. Some hospital settings are more open to faith and spirituality than others. I work for a Catholic hospital, for example, but they also have chaplains on staff that provide services to nonCatholics as well. The hospital actually built add on wings in a rectangle around the chapel building, which was built in 1927 or 29…somewhere along in there. Anyway, many people comment that it is inspirational that the chapel was preserved in that manner, rather than torn down or built onto. (Getting to it can be challenging if you don’t know the layout of that end of the building!) Keep me posted , would be glad to help with a survey.

Sent from Shauna. Have a blessed day!

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1. Katie Butler
  
  November 16, 2018
  
  Thank you Shauna! I think yours would be a very helpful perspective, and I’d love to talk to you more as this idea actually comes together. Blessings to you and yours.
  
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  1. shauna
    
    January 8, 2019
    
    So sorry I am just now seeing your reply. I have turned on my notifications for WordPress so I see them sooner. Please do contact me when you want to discuss.
    
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Dawn

November 15, 2018

Write on Katie!

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1. Katie Butler
  
  November 16, 2018
  
  Thanks for the encouragement Dawn! 🙂
  
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Robin Brittain

November 16, 2018

I’m interested in helping out on the topic of faith in the hospital setting. Please include me in your email distribution list of your survey. Thanks,

Robin Brittain, RN, MSN robinbrittain@yahoo.com

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1. Katie Butler
  
  November 16, 2018
  
  Thanks so much Robin! I’ll be in touch down the line.
  
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Jessica

November 19, 2018

Hi! I’m a med student in Canada, and just discovered your blog and TGC contributions while looking for writings from female Christian doctors. I would love to read a book like that!!

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1. Katie Butler
  
  November 22, 2018
  
  Thank you Jessica! May the Lord spur you on in your studies.
  
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Nate Cloutier

November 19, 2018

I read your piece on “Physician-Assisted Suicide” and, as I’ve come to expect, I found it really helpful and well written. In my conversations with those who disagree with me on that particular issue, one of the things I struggle with is the temptation to “roll over” and use the terminology of the pro-MAID camp for the sake of continuing the discussion (or debate, depending). But your article helped clarify the concerns and dangers, I think, with this approach so thank you!

P.s. I very much look forward to reading your book next year. As for your book idea, I do have a couple of thoughts/questions/areas of uncertainty that I wouldn’t mind sharing with you, if interested.

God bless

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1. Katie Butler
  
  November 22, 2018
  
  Thank you for this feedback, Nate! It is such a hard issue, and even harder to dialogue about this when the momentum in medicine is away from a Christian worldview. And yes, I’d absolutely be interested in hearing your thoughts! My email is klbutler46@gmail.com God bless!
  
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allison425

November 24, 2018

Hi! I would love to help out with this. I am a nurse with 8 years of working in a hospital under my belt, but also, two years ago I had (and ultimately recovered from) transverse myelitis and found myself fighting to cling to Christ on the *other* side of the provider/patient relationship. I would love to weigh in.

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1. Katie Butler
  
  November 30, 2018
  
  Thanks Allison! Please send me an email at klbutler46@gmail.com!
  
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kandicelarrimore

January 25, 2019

Would love to see you write that book! I’m a newly graduated PA about to start a first job in trauma/surgical critical care. I look forward to your book in April as well.

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