Lucy the Clown - a Minister?

Last year, I answered a call to try and reinvigorate our local medical center's chaplain program.  Phone calls and a luncheon to a page of local churches netted us two new ministers, one of whom was, literally, a clown.

"Lucy the Clown" showed up, after her indoctrination, in full clown regalia, pulling a wagon full of goodies, treats, and faux flowers.  Hers was a different kind of ministry, a Christian ministry of silly happiness and smiles; a "clown ministry."  There had been slight concern if the medical center would allow a clown to roam the halls and visit patients, but that concern was swept aside with a few common sense guidelines.

So, other than smiles, happiness, and good attitude, things medical science would be the first to agree are paramount to good healing, what else could Lucy bring to the table?  After a recent incident at the reception area, shortly after she began volunteering with us, Lucy the Clown sent the following message to the Human Relations department:

"I wanted to tell you a story that will brighten your busy day. I came around the corner by the reception desk, into the waiting room, and a little girl in a pink tutu came running up to me. We talked and I gave her a goodie and asked her if she wanted to give her mom a rose. She said yes and I let her pick it out. But, I told her that she had to tell her mom she loved her when she handed it to her, and she did. I went on my way and when I passed the desk again one of the ladies got up and came to tell me the rest of the story. 

After I'd left [the little girl] the mother came up to the desk and told the lady that her daughter is autistic and doesn't show emotion, and had never told her she loved her until today! The receptionist had tears in her eyes. I said to her, now who do you think did that? It wasn't me. Can you imagine what those three words meant to that mother? I can only say, only God!

-- Lucy the Clown!"

There will be much psychobabble about why a clown can bring emotion from an autistic child, and I'm sure we would all agree.  But, "Lucy" didn't have to come that day.  She didn't have to put on makeup, dress in a silly costume, and wander around in public.  She does this to answer a calling; she does this to make people smile; but, I think, most importantly, she does this to open a door to her faith for all to see and enjoy.  Does she succeed?  Did she have a positive effect on the child?  The mother? The receptionist at the front desk?  You be the judge.  Many of us follow our path with little knowledge of the good we do for others.  One mother has heard the benefit of a clown from the lips of her child.

As for me, I will continue to have faith that “God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform; He plants His footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm.”  I believe God works through me, through you, and through the desire of a clown to make people smile.  Bravo, Lucy!  Bravo!  

Editor's Note 

(re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card) 

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider another viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and then engaging in peaceful, constructive, discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning the opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we do afterward, and what we learn from the experience.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, and instructor. He is founder of the Congregation for Religious Tolerance and author/editor of the Congregation's official blog site, "The Path," which offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination.