I was very unwell back in October 24, needing five days in hospital. During my time as an inpatient, I experienced the most beautiful moment of my life.
In my ward of six men, I was the youngest by 30 years. In the bed to my left was a man in his 90s. Let’s call him “Toby”. He didn’t know that I was in the next door bed. I’d guess he had advanced dementia. He was aggressive and barely conscious. Furthermore, he was foecally incontinent and spent much of his waking hours stripping off his clothes.
I have never smelled anything like it.
Yet every member of staff showed him immense kindness. Their kindness to him gave me strength that, should I decline, they’d be there for me, too. (It’s hard not to be transformed by a few nights in hospital.)
One particular care assistant was the closest thing I’ve seen to an angel. He was Nigerian and took the nighttime shift. He soothed Toby all night long, speaking in the most tender way. Never did he get narked at the frequent bed changes and stench.
I simply couldn’t do that job. And until those evenings, I didn’t know then men could be so caring.
I blogged about my experience here. Several generous-spirited readers emailed me about the piece, to share their similar experiences.
In all, I’d estimate that 1,000 people read my blog.
Two weeks ago, I stood outside of Harrogate Hospital and recorded the spoken story of this same event. As the recording came to the end, my voice noticeably cracked, as I held back my emotions.
In quick time, 56,000 people watched the video, here – https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNdwEvaj7/ – with nearly 3,000 likes, 220 comments, 121 saves and 101 shares to others.
Today, I uploaded it to YouTube – https://youtube.com/shorts/EDHzDKMF4V8?si=pPXpVqQcpJmNjXu0 – with just 650 views and 12 likes.
And this is why I have stopped blogging, folks: because I believe that I have some important things to say, and therefore it would be a moral derogation of duty not to use the medium most likely to spread the word. And that medium is TikTok
Would the founder of Quakerism – George Fox – have used TikTok, rather than spending his time walking between Meeting Houses and writing time-consuming letters? Of course he would.
But does Chat GPT agree with me?
(I’ll add this blog to Chat GPT and finish with this prompt/command:
“Study the life and works of George Fox, founder of Quakerism. Use your expert knowledge of history and psychology to get the deepest insights into Fox. Then imagine that Fox was transported to today. Thinking deeply, in 30 words, say whether Fox would have used TikTok and/or other means”.)
Answer:
“Yes. Fox, relentless itinerant communicator using pamphlets, letters, and public witness, would embrace TikTok and digital platforms—while also valuing in-person meetings, epistles, and small circles for discernment and depth today.”
If you’ve got something you believe the world needs to hear, figure out how best to share your message.
