A History of Compassion: How St. Nicholas Inspires Our Work at Rome Public Adjusting

At Rome Public Adjusting (RomePA), our mission goes beyond simply settling insurance claims. We believe in a holistic approach to serving our clients, one steeped in compassion, justice, and unwavering advocacy. This philosophy is profoundly inspired by the life and miracles of our patron, Saint Nicholas, the Wonderworker, Bishop of Myra. His actions, from the 3rd and 4th centuries, resonate powerfully with our commitment to those who have suffered loss, truly modeling the ideal "physician of souls and bodies."

As we often say, stemming from a principle dear to my father of blessed memory, "People Are For Caring." This isn't just a motto; it's the very heartbeat of RomePA, echoing the boundless love and care – the very philanthropy – exemplified by Saint Nicholas. Let's delve deeper into how his specific virtues and miracles directly inform our work and ethical standards.

The Orthodox Understanding of "Adjusting"

Before exploring Saint Nicholas's life, it's insightful to consider the very word "adjusting" through an Orthodox lens. The term "adjust" comes from the Old French "ajuster," meaning "to bring to a level," "to make precise," or "to set in order." Its root, "just" (from Latin iustus), means righteous, equitable, lawful, and fair.

From an Orthodox perspective, "just" is not merely about legal correctness; it's deeply spiritual, reflecting the very character of God. Justice is a divine attribute, and God is perfectly just and righteous. Our work at RomePA seeks to manifest a semblance of this divine justice in the earthly realm, bringing things back into right relationship – not just legally, but morally and ethically. When a property is damaged, or a life is disrupted, it falls out of its intended order. Our work is a form of restoration and harmony, mirroring God's work in creation, bringing order to chaos, and striving to bring "what is due" to our neighbor through an act of philanthropy, or love for mankind.

How Saint Nicholas Inspires Our C.A.R.E. Framework and Ethical Standards

Our commitment to our clients is practical, guided by our C.A.R.E. framework, which we imbue with an Orthodox spirit:

• C - Creatively Think What the Problem Actually Is: This calls for discerning the true needs of the client with empathy and spiritual insight, seeing them not just as a policyholder but as someone enduring hardship. It’s about listening with the heart, seeking the full scope of their suffering and the impact of the loss on their life, beyond the superficial.

• A - Actively Think of All Possible Solutions: This embodies resourcefulness and proactivity, striving for the ideal, not settling for the minimal. Solutions should contribute to the client's holistic restoration, guided by wisdom and a commitment to exhaust all righteous avenues.

• R - Recognize the Best Solution to Solving the Actual Problem: This calls for prudence and justice, aiming for the solution that truly serves the client's best interests, reflecting the highest fiduciary standards. This involves prayerful discernment for the most equitable outcome.

• E - Execute the Plan and Solve the Problem: This is the concrete act of philanthropy in action. It means diligent and steadfast work, seeing the task through to completion with integrity, easing the burden on the client, and bringing the vision of justice to fruition.
  

Now, let's explore the direct inspirations from the life of Saint Nicholas for each aspect of our work:

1. The Secret Gifts: Proactive Compassion and Dignity

One of the most beloved stories of Saint Nicholas recounts his secret acts of generosity. He anonymously provided bags of gold to a poverty-stricken man so that his three daughters could have dowries and avoid a life of destitution. This wasn't a request-driven charity; it was a proactive, compassionate intervention to restore dignity and a future.

How this inspires RomePA:

• Proactive Advocacy (C.A.R.E. - Actively Think): Just as Saint Nicholas intervened before desperation set in, RomePA seeks to step in early when clients face the overwhelming aftermath of a loss. We don't wait for them to flounder; we offer immediate guidance and support, often uncovering avenues for compensation they might never have considered.

• Restoring Dignity ("People Are For Caring"): A major loss, whether to property or livelihood, can strip away a person's sense of security and dignity. Like Saint Nicholas, we work diligently to provide the "means" (a fair and just settlement) to help our clients rebuild their lives and restore their sense of peace and stability. Our focus is always on their well-being and inherent human dignity, not just the numbers on a claim form.

2. Saving the Innocent: Fearless Advocacy for the Vulnerable

Another powerful account tells of Saint Nicholas appearing in a dream to Emperor Constantine, compelling him to release three innocent generals who were unjustly condemned to death. He fearlessly championed the cause of the wrongly accused against powerful, corrupt officials.

How this inspires RomePA:

• Challenging Injustice (C.A.R.E. - Recognize the Best Solution): In the complex world of insurance, policyholders can often feel like the "unjustly condemned," facing denials or undervaluation from large, powerful insurance companies. RomePA stands as a fearless advocate, much like Saint Nicholas, challenging unjust decisions and fighting for the truth of our clients' claims.

• Speaking for the "Speechless" (Proverbs 31:8-9): Many individuals are overwhelmed by the claims process, unable to effectively articulate their losses or challenge a low offer. We become their voice, using our expertise and experience to "judge righteously and plead the cause of the poor and needy," as the Holy Scriptures instruct.

3. The Miracle of the Grain: Resourcefulness and Provision in Crisis

During a severe famine in Myra, Saint Nicholas persuaded a ship captain carrying grain for the Emperor to offload some cargo for the starving city. Miraculously, the ship's cargo was undiminished upon arrival at its destination.

How this inspires RomePA:

• Securing Needed Resources (C.A.R.E. - Actively Think): When a crisis strikes, our clients face a "famine" of resources. We diligently work to secure the "grain"—the full and fair settlement—that will not only address immediate needs but also provide for their long-term recovery and rebuilding.

• Resourcefulness and Wisdom: This miracle speaks to a resourceful approach. We leverage our deep understanding of policies, damage assessment, and negotiation strategies to find creative and effective solutions, ensuring our clients receive all that is justly due to them without compromise. We seek wisdom from God, who "gives to all liberally and without reproach."

4. Calming the Storm: Bringing Peace to Turmoil

Tradition recounts a powerful episode when Saint Nicholas was on a sea voyage, specifically heading towards Alexandria to acquire oil for the church lamps. Displaying prophetic foresight, he warned the crew that a fierce storm was approaching, even as the skies seemed clear. Indeed, the sea quickly grew violent, threatening to capsize the ship and drown everyone on board. A demon, unseen by the crew, even manifested, attempting to break the ship's mast, adding a spiritual dimension to the physical peril. The sailors, despairing and in fear of death, cried out to Saint Nicholas. With fervent prayers and unwavering faith, he miraculously commanded the raging sea to be still, and the storm subsided immediately.

During this terrifying ordeal, one sailor, who had climbed the mast to adjust a sail, lost his footing, fell, and died. Through Saint Nicholas's powerful prayers, this sailor was resurrected, fully restored to life. Later, another sailor on the same journey fell gravely ill, and Saint Nicholas's compassion once again led to his miraculous healing. This demonstrated his profound power to bring order, rescue, restoration from the brink of death, and even healing in times of desperate need.

How this inspires RomePA:

• A Steady Hand in Chaos (C.A.R.E. - Execute the Plan): Experiencing a significant loss often feels like being caught in a turbulent storm of anxiety, confusion, and financial uncertainty. RomePA serves as a calming presence, providing clarity, guidance, and a steady hand to navigate the often-turbulent waters of the insurance claims process. Just as Saint Nicholas brought peace to the physical storm he had even predicted, and even discerned the unseen demonic attack, we strive to bring peace to the emotional and practical storms our clients endure. We are prepared for all challenges, diligently working to overcome them with spiritual awareness and professional skill.

• Restoring Order and Life (Holistic Recovery): Our goal is to bring order to the chaos that follows a loss, guiding our clients safely to the "port" of a just settlement. Like the sailor resurrected from death and the other healed from illness, our work goes beyond mere financial compensation; we aim for a holistic recovery that allows our clients to rebuild their lives, restore their sense of peace, and find stability once again. This encompasses addressing not only physical damages but also the profound disruption to their overall well-being. We do all our work "heartily, as to the Lord and not to men," ensuring diligence and care in every step.

5. Zeal for Truth: Upholding Integrity and Principle

At the First Ecumenical Council, Saint Nicholas demonstrated unwavering zeal for the truth of the Orthodox Faith, going so far as to confront the heretic Arius directly – even, by tradition, striking him – to uphold divine truth against falsehood. This decisive action underscored his absolute commitment to rectitude and purity of doctrine. So zealous was he that the other bishops, perhaps shocked by his physical action, temporarily removed him from his episcopal office and imprisoned him. However, his actions were divinely affirmed when several holy bishops present at the Council had visions of the Theotokos presenting an omophorion (the episcopal vestment) to Saint Nicholas, and Christ Himself giving him the Holy Gospel, thereby restoring him to his position. This amazing affirmation speaks to the righteousness of his fervent zeal.

How this inspires RomePA:

• Commitment to Truth and Integrity, Even When Unpopular (Ephesians 4:25): Our work is built on a foundation of truth. We meticulously document the full extent of damages, interpret policies accurately, and present facts transparently. Like Saint Nicholas, we are prepared to take bold, righteous stands for our clients, even if those stands are challenging or initially misunderstood. We will never compromise on ethical conduct or integrity, upholding what is right and just for our clients, even when it requires standing firm against opposition or falsehood. We "speak truth with [our] neighbor."

• Unwavering Principles and Divine Guidance (2 Corinthians 8:21): Like Saint Nicholas defending the Faith with fervent conviction, we defend our clients' rights and the principles of fair dealing. We are prepared to, metaphorically, "strike" at any misrepresentation or unjust denial, ensuring that obscured realities are brought to light for a truly equitable settlement. Our zeal for justice for our clients is uncompromising, and we trust in divine guidance to affirm our righteous efforts on their behalf, conducting ourselves "not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."
  

At Rome Public Adjusting, we see every claim as an opportunity to embody these virtues of Saint Nicholas. Our dedication to our C.A.R.E. framework is a practical manifestation of his compassion, advocacy, and wisdom.

Inspired by a history of compassion, we are here to serve you with integrity, expertise, and a profound commitment to your well-being. If you've suffered a loss, let RomePA be your advocate, your guide, and your partner in navigating the path to justice and restoration.

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St Nicholas of Myra