Dr. Tony Herring is regarded as one of America’s leading physicians. He travels around the world giving lectures. Yet his greatest legacy will likely be how he treated children. He didn’t just mend their broken bones. He also brought love to their hearts.

    As chief-of staff for the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas, Dr. Herring spends three afternoons a week visiting his young patients. He’s a gifted orthopedic surgeon. Yet beyond his amazing technical skills, he’s most admired for his sensitive touch with children. He’s known at the hospital for displaying “kid-kindness.” Children say he’s funny and kind. But he also shoots straight with them about their condition.

    Dr. Herring helped develop the Child Life department at the hospital. It’s designed to help ailing children have fun during their stay. In a place where many of the kids face serious illness, this sensitive doctor tries to provide as happy an environment as possible.

    J.C. Montgomery, the hospital’s president, recalls one day when he played tennis with Tony. He could tell that the doctor was emotionally upset. He was “worried sick” about a patient he had just seen. That day Montgomery realized how tough it was for Dr. Herring, how personally he took his practice. Performing surgery on these kids was like operating on his own children.

...I couldn’t help but think of Jesus.

    As I reflected on this doctor’s merciful touch, I couldn’t help but think of Jesus. The New Testament describes how He treated children so tenderly. Kids felt comfortable approaching the Master. Though He was God, He was so humble and gracious. He healed the sick that came to Him. And more importantly, He offered eternal life to those who asked.

    Because of the cross, all of us can approach the Lord by faith. As Hebrews 4:16 says, Through Jesus we can approach the throne of grace with confidence, receiving mercy and grace to help us in our time of need.

    What struggle are you facing today? Have you shared it with Jesus? Whatever problem you’re facing, run to Jesus for forgiveness, healing, and grace. Thank God that through Jesus He is an approachable Heavenly Father — the Great Physician of our souls. He’s always ready to mend a broken heart. And to save a sinner who cries out for mercy. For as the psalmist says: The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)