In a nation fractured by division, a surprising source of unity may lie within the enduring human capacity for belief. Recent polls reveal that a significant majority of Americans – three out of four – identify with a faith, with nearly half considering it a vital part of their lives. This shared foundation offers a potential bridge across seemingly insurmountable divides.
Consider the moments when extraordinary survival stories capture our attention. When an individual defies medical odds – like NFL player Damar Hamlin’s recovery from cardiac arrest on the field, or Congressman Steve Scalise’s fight for life after a shooting – political affiliations fade into insignificance. We are united in awe of the inexplicable.
The doctors who saved Congressman Scalise described his case as the most miraculous of their careers, recalling the sheer volume of blood transfusions required and the complex surgical intervention. They also noted his profound gratitude to God, believing it played a crucial role in his recovery. Scalise himself experienced a remarkable calm, surrendering his fate to a higher power.
He described a sense of peace washing over him, a detachment from fear, and a conviction that his outcome rested in divine hands. This experience of serenity in the face of crisis isn’t unique. Many who have encountered what they perceive as miracles report a similar sense of calm acceptance.
Dr. Robert Montgomery, a surgeon who himself faced seven cardiac arrests before receiving a heart transplant, speaks of a connection to something vast and transcendent during those near-death experiences. He describes a profound awareness of his own breath and a feeling of his soul existing beyond the physical realm, ultimately leading to a deep sense of peace.
Interestingly, neuroscience is beginning to illuminate the brain activity associated with both belief in miracles and strong political convictions. Research suggests both rely on similar networks in the right side and front of the brain, and both fulfill a fundamental human need for community and belonging.
This suggests a potential for overlap, and perhaps even substitution, between these deeply held beliefs. A strict separation of faith and public life may not be beneficial. Why should a physician’s deeply held beliefs be left at the door of a hospital, or the comfort of prayer withheld from a patient who desires it?
Acknowledging a power greater than ourselves may, in fact, diminish the fear and animosity that fuel so much of our political discourse. The wisdom of “fear God, not your fellow man” resonates across faiths and offers a path toward greater understanding.
One man’s father, at the age of 102, endured a cascade of medical challenges – emergency surgeries, a prolonged struggle with a ventilator, and years on dialysis – sustained by the enduring love for his wife, who was 100 years old. This illustrates the power of connection and devotion in the face of adversity.
For many healers, recognizing the spiritual dimension of their patients is integral to providing truly holistic care. It’s a reminder that each individual is more than just a collection of symptoms, but a precious soul deserving of compassion and nurturing.
This perspective fosters a refusal to give up on patients prematurely, holding onto the possibility of one more miracle. Belief in the extraordinary, regardless of political stance, can pave the way for mutual respect and a shared sense of humanity in these deeply divided times.
