Cross to the Crucifix

How a joyful protestant became a joyful catholic

To begin with, let me tell you a little about myself. I am a born-again Christian who accepted Jesus as my personal savior over 36 years ago. I had a radical transformational experience with Jesus overwhelming me with his love, grace, acceptance, and joy! My life verse is Luke 5:24-25, (Jesus) said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, rise pick up your mat and go home. And the paralytic immediately rose up before them and picked up his bed and went home, glorifying God.”  The verse spoke of my need for emotional healing from a difficult childhood and the need to learn to walk on my new legs as I glorified God for his strength, love, and grace.

I fully entered my relationship with Jesus, giving him everything I am and faithfully serving Him. Like many of you, my faith journey includes potholes and wonderful pathways. Early in my nursing career, the Lord placed a passion in my heart to encourage Christian nurses to live out their faith personally and professionally. I started my business, nurses4him.org, and published books and articles. I was overwhelmed with joy when the Lord connected my passion and work to a global nursing ministry called Nurses Christian Fellowship International or NCFI in 2010. Learn more by visiting the page Encouraging International Christian Nurses.

My faith journey has always included bits and pieces of Catholicism, like multicolored cobblestones. My first nursing friend is a devout catholic, and my family would attend Christmas Eve Mass with her and her family. The Good Friday services with the stations of the cross enriched my faith during Passion Week. I discovered the Divine Office about 13 years ago. Even now, I enjoy virtually praying with brothers and sisters from around the world.

Many saints have impacted me, with St. Teresa of Calcutta or Mother Teresa being my favorite. Her love and service to the poor and suffering have guided my nursing practice. In addition, my favorite Christian nursing author is Sr. Mary Elizabeth O’Brien, whose research and publications in Spiritual Care continues to guide my practice and teaching. She is my Spiritual Nurse Mentor and I have written a review of one of her many books. The Lord has infused my faith journey with many great Christians and Catholics.

I loved my church, even though it wasn’t perfect. I love my bible study friends/prayer partners, and I loved my ministry to Christian nurses. All was well. Then, approximately two years ago, the Lord radically altered my faith journey by sending me down a new path.

The first step on the path was being convicted of a deficit of God’s truth in my life. See my posting Moral Courage for Pro-Life. At about the same time, my husband, who grew up in a Catholic and Protestant home, had always held a deep reverence for God, especially regarding the church. Over the years, having served as a Protestant pastor and a theologian, he longed for the reverence he remembered from his youth, which is greatly lacking in today’s modern Evangelical worship service. He discerned the Holy Spirit was leading him to return to the Catholic faith so that he could once again give God his devoted reverence.

Initially, I alternated attending Mass with my husband and attending my protestant church. At times, when I attended Mass, the Lord would quicken my heart or he would bang on my spirit. When the Lord would bang on my spirit, I would find myself weeping in Mass. Sometimes, if I looked at the crucifix above the altar, I would become emotional or teary-eyed during a song. Other times, I would have full-fledged weeping. It began with The Spiritual Communion. Since the Mass I attended was live-streamed, the Priest would pause before communion to lead everyone in saying The Spiritual Communion Prayer written by St. Alphonsus Liguori. There I would be on my knees reciting the prayer out loud and start weeping:

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Blessed Sacrament.
I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if you were already there, and I unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.

Even today, when I say, “I love you above all things” my spirit soars with love for God.  Later on, when I discovered I could go forward during communion and receive a blessing from the priest, I could barely make it back to my pew before weeping.

Needless to say, the Lord was working in my heart and calling me to Catholicism. I am not naturally an obedient person, thus I would argue with God by saying, “I am a happy protestant. I don’t want to change churches.” Other times, I would demand from God, “Why now? If you wanted me to be Catholic, why didn’t you lead me earlier?” While I was arguing with God I would get on my knees trying to submit my heart, mind, and spirit to His ways through repeating (through tears and turmoil):

“(Jesus) you are the author and perfector of my faith.” (Hebrews 12:2)
“May it be done to me according to thy will.” (Luke 1:38).  

When I finally stopped arguing with God and could listen to Him, He spoke clearly and said, “I want you to love me through the liturgies and traditions of the Catholic church.” Of course, I relented, not out of fanatical obedience, instead out of love. How can I tell Jesus “No.” Like Peter’s bold statement, “Where else can I go, you are the Son of God.” (John 6:68-69), where would I go or live without Him.

The weeping wasn’t over. I wept through my meeting with the priest and with the director of RCIA. I continued to weep at times during Mass, during my RCIA classes, and other times. The Lord has always moved me to experience Him through tears.

Yet, my journey had just begun. I had to receive an annulment from my first marriage, which from my understanding, happened quite quickly–Praise the Lord. Since there was no baptismal record, I needed to receive all three sacraments. So, in 2024. I left the cross (a symbol of Christianity) and went to the crucifix (a symbol of Catholicism). Where the Lord will lead, I have no idea. In the meantime, I am enjoying learning how to love God through the vast liturgies, 2000 years of traditions, and immeasurable advice from the saints.

NCFI Cares: My RX for Insomnia

“On that night the king could not sleep. And he gave orders to bring the book of memorable deeds, the chronicles, and they were read before the king.” (Esther 6:1)

What do you do when you are unable to sleep? Do you listen to music or use an app on your phone to occupy your brain until you get tired? Do you read books or get out of bed to watch television or videos?

I have to admit I have had some very difficult times with insomnia. Some of it is part of getting older; our bodies don’t sleep as well as they used to. Don’t you miss the ease and depth of sleeping when you were younger? I do. In addition to aging, stress or overwork can wreak havoc on our ability to shut off our brains and rest.

The scripture above is found in the account of Queen Esther. During a bout of insomnia, the king asked his attendant to bring the chronicles of his kingdom. Like reading the newspaper, King Ahasuerus wanted an update on what was happening in his kingdom.

While the king may read about the events of his kingdom, I would prefer to pray. One of my favorite passages is Psalm 136:

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
for his steadfast love endures forever;

As you continue reading the psalm you will see clear sections marked out by a repeating refrain, “his steadfast love endures forever.”

Versus 4-9, focus on the Lord’s awesome works in creation: made the heavens, spread out the earth above the heavens, made the great lights, the sun, and moon and stars.

The next section, verses 10-22, provides a brief account of the Lord’s work on behalf of the Israelites: struck down the firstborn, brought Israel out, divided the Red Sea, overthrew Pharaoh, killed mighty kings, and gave a heritage to Israel. This is the section I alter for myself. I will begin to recount the good deeds the Lord has done in my life:

Blessed me with children and grandchildren,
“his steadfast love endures forever.”
Provides a job for me and my husband,
“his steadfast love endures forever.”
Guided me through caring for my mother,
“his steadfast love endures forever.”
And so on….

Stop now and take a moment to write down the immediate needs the Lord has fulfilled.

This is my RX for insomnia, recounting the personal good deeds the Lord has done for me along with proclaiming “his steadfast love endures forever.”. Depending on what has happened that day or my current stress, I will alter my accounts and ensure I conclude with a final refrain:

Give thanks to the God of heaven,
for his steadfast love endures forever.

Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace

One of the remnants of a time when I was a staff nurse at the hospital is a printout of The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi. It was taped inside my locker. When I would open my locker to put my purse away and dig out my stethoscope, pens, surgical scissors, and other items, I would see the humble words of St. Francis of Assisi:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.

Today, some 30 years later, as I reflect on the influence of Catholic saints on my nursing practice, I was reminded of this simple, yet powerful prayer. St. Francis who encouraged Christians to bring the love and joy of the Holy Spirit into a world filled with sadness and despair (Galatians 5:22).

I wish I could say my nursing career was a reflection of the St. Francis prayer. Instead, I can honestly say, I have tried. At times, I have brought joy into sadness and hope where there was a lack of faith. Maybe that is a more attainable goal for us non-Saints. Instead of using the prayer as an assessment tool. Choose one phrase or word and bring that to one person in need of the Spirit’s touch.

  • Bring hope to a suffering patient in despair.
  • Pardon a colleague who has caused you harm.
  • With a caring word shine the light of Christ into the darkness of depression.
  • Share a heart of joy with everyone, especially those who grieve.

NCFI Cares: Faith Proclamation to the World

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. (Romans 1:8-12, ESV)

We are on the countdown to the NCFI World Congress in Malaga Spain. We will convene for a Pre Congress training course from 24 to 26 of June. The Congress begins with an opening ceremony on the 27 of June. Romans 1:8-12 can guide our hearts and spirits as last-minute preparations are being made. I have pulled specific phrases to guide our thoughts and prayers.

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world.

Let’s start by thanking God for every Christian nurse and midwife attending the Congress. Their faith is a witness to the world. Pause momentarily and imagine the people impacted by each attendee’s preparation: embassy workers, airlines, managers, churches, communities, families, hotels, etc. Wow! What an amazing witness to Jesus. In addition, their faith will be proclaimed in Malaga as hundreds of nurses convene for the Congress. PTL!

For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers,

This is a great reminder to keep praying. Please continue to pray for each attendee, speaker, and staff member at the Casa Diocesana. Notice how the prayer is specific:

For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you

The prayers are specific—spiritual gifts to strengthen one another. Our theme for the congress is Strength and Courage. Prepare your heart and spirit ahead of time so that you can dispense gifts of strength and courage to at least one person during our time together.

–that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.

Finally, we know that we are mutually encouraged when fellow brothers and sisters come together. Your faith blesses me, and my faith blesses you. It is a joyous time of fellowship and community.

Unfortunately, some people are unable to attend the Congress. I know nurses who have been denied visas, are unable to leave personal responsibilities and face economic challenges. Our heart goes out to those who so desired to attend but cannot. You are part of the NCFI community and our loved AND valued!

We need you! We need your prayers as we endeavor to encourage nurses from more than 30 different countries. Please commit to pray for the Congress! In the NCFI Prayer Guide for April – June, 2024 contains prayer prompts for the final week of June. https://ncfi.org/resources/general-resources/ I have included the Prayer Prompts.

Pray for wisdom, love & unity for NCFI leadership meetings that will be held in conjunction with IB meetings (22-24), International & Regional Forums (28-29), and Board of Directors (1 July).  “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. (Isaiah 40:28a)
Pray everyone involved in the NCFI Congress–may they experience the Lord in a new and courageous way. May the workers at the Casa Diocesana see the love and light of Christ in each attendee.
Pray that the Lord places a hedge of protection around the families of all attendees so that they can be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s voice. “He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” (Isaiah 40:11)
Pray that the Lord will equip all attendees with the courage and strength to be a bright light and loving grace to the world. “He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.” (Isaiah 40:29)
Praise the Lord for the Holy Spirit’s work during the Congress.“they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with the wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Prayer Prompts for the NCFI Congress

NCFI Cares: Are You an Eli?

 
And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the young man. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, Samuel! Samuel! And Samuel said, Speak, for your servant hears”.

(1 Samuel 3:8-10, ESV)

Samuel came into temple service as a young boy. His primary service was ministering to the Lord with his guardian, an elderly priest, Eli (1:11; 2:26). Samuel, possibly a teenager by this time, slept near the Ark of the Covenant, yet close enough to Eli, who suffered from impaired vision.  One night, Samuel is awakened by a voice, “Samuel, Samuel.”  Samuel assumes, typical for any other night, that Eli is calling him, so he checks with Eli. Not needing assistance nor having called Samuel, Eli sends the young man back to bed. This happened three times. Notice chapter 7, chapter 3, “Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, nor had the word of the LORD been revealed to him.”  After the third visit from a confused Samuel, Eli directed Samuel to answer the Lord by saying, “Speak, LORD, for thy servant is listening.” When the Lord called Samuel this time, he was ready to listen.

As we reflect on this passage of scripture, we are reminded of Jesus’ teachings, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 11:15). Young Samuel had not been taught to know the Lord nor to hear from the Lord.”

In addition, visions by the Lord and direct word from the Lord were rare (3:1-2). Nurses and midwives frequently encounter people who do not know the Lord. It may be because they are non-believers, or maybe they are Christians, yet they cannot hear the Lord due to their current experience. This may be due to illness, disease, or a lack of faith. Samuel not only did not know the Lord but he had not been taught the word.

For us, this is knowing scripture. Many times, we encounter people who know the Lord, but they do not know the Bible. Or let’s go further and say they are not familiar enough with the Bible for it to guide their relationship with Jesus. Let’s not miss this opportunity to point out a deficit in Samuel’s training. He worked in ministry; he had grown up in the temple and had a priest as a mentor/father figure. When encountering people who know the Lord, let’s not assume they are familiar with scripture.

I see two application points in this passage. First, we can ask ourselves whether we are so familiar with the word, attuned to the Holy Spirit, and quiet in prayer that we know when the Lord is speaking to us. Or does he speak to us multiple times, and his words land on untrained ears?

Now, my favorite part of the account of Samuel is the Lord. The Lord calls Samuel multiple times. Isn’t that like our God—he calls out to Samuel in an intimate, personal way by his name. And even though Samuel was unfamiliar with his voice, God kept calling, demonstrating his unwavering love and commitment. “Samuel, Samuel.” Eli, recognizing what is happening, gives the best advice a mentor could give–tell the Lord, “Speak, for thy servant is listening.”

Thus, the second application point is God is always calling to people. We can help our patients and colleagues by being an Eli and guiding those unfamiliar with hearing God’s voice.

NCFI Cares: The Gift of Death

I am the resurrection and life. Whoever believes in me though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

(John 11:25-26, ESV).

Recently, my pastor spoke about the resurrection of Lazarus, which is found in John 11. He mentioned the incredible gift we have been given to die. Yes, that is what he said. We have been given the wonderful gift of death. For when we die, we will no longer be bound to this world. Instead, we will be ushered into the presence of Jesus Christ, God the Father, the Holy Spirit, the angels, and all the saints (Revelation 21). Thus, we should not be afraid of death; instead, we should welcome the time when it comes.

Like you, I was shocked to hear my pastor say this. I know I look forward to seeing Jesus face-to-face and dwelling with Him for all eternity. Yet, I have never wanted to die nor am I looking forward to my final hours on earth as a gift from Him. The more I reflected on this teaching, the more I wondered how it would change my perspective as a nurse.

How would I alter my nursing care for the terminally ill, actively dying, or elderly? In addition to treating my patients’ pain, providing comforting words, or praying for peace, could I encourage them to get ready to enjoy their gift of death? Maybe I could help them say goodbye to the suffering they have experienced in this world–a time without pain, tears, or loneliness. I would help them anticipate an eternity without racism, abuse, or evil.  And even though they will miss their loved ones, maybe I could assist them with writing a letter to each family member. Instead of words expressed as a forever goodbye, the letter would be in expectation of seeing them again after death in the presence of Jesus.

I could help them imagine what they would do when they finally did see their Savior face-to-face. Will they hug Him like a long-lost older brother they haven’t seen in years? Maybe fall at His feet with humble thanksgiving? Or would they prostrate themselves in reverence at the magnificence of His holiness?

I have always hoped that when I finally see Jesus, I would be inclined to weep shedding like Mary, that would wash his feet with my hair and tears (Luke 7:36-38; John 11:2). These wouldn’t be tears of sadness; they would be tears of gratitude for a life with Him. A life on earth and in Heaven filled with love and joy.

This Easter season let’s share our wonderful gift of death as the passage to a life of eternity with our Lord Jesus.

I have always hoped that when I finally see Jesus, I would be drawn to tears and, like Mary, would wash his feet with my hair and tears (Luke 7:36-38; John 11:2). These wouldn’t be tears of sadness; they would be tears of gratitude for a life with Him. A life on earth and in Heaven filled with love and joy. This Easter season let’s share our wonderful gift of death as the passage to a life of eternity with our Lord Jesus.

NCFI Cares: The Holy Family

And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7)

This beautiful nativity scene is replayed in movies and church celebrations throughout the Christmas season. It is a reminder of the humble circumstances that the holy family experienced. It is hard for us to imagine the poverty in which a child is born amidst straw and manure. Yet, unfortunately, even today, the vulnerability of the family is too common throughout the world.

As nurses, we encounter fathers who are unable to provide adequate housing for their families. We counsel young single women who are alone and afraid, yet choose birth in hope of a better life; and mothers who lack the basic necessities of food and clothing. Overwhelmed with the responsibilities of parenting and marriage, parents separate and divorce. Mothers and/or fathers paralyzed by mental illness become too debilitated to care for their children. In war-torn areas, parents are challenged to protect their children from bombs and violence.

Then there is the addiction crisis, where any number of substances demands priority over the love and care of children. Thus leaving a growing number of emotionally and possibly physically abandoned children to mature into adulthood on their own.

Next time you see the nativity scene, don’t get swept up in the celebration. Whether it is through our nursing services, our supportive churches, or from the fruit of our wages, find a way to help the most at-risk group in our society—the family. Through our work in Christ’s name, we can go into the nativity scene and bring the essentials needed to support the birthplace of our Saviour—the family.

NCFI Cares: Joshua’s Final Leadership Tip: Unfinished Business

Now Joshua was old and advanced in years, and the Lord said to him, You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to possess.

Joshua 13:1, ESV

Over the past few months, we have learned many great leadership tips from Joshua’s life. We have learned how courageous leaders focus on God’s word and His plan for organizations. As the Lord prepared us to lead, we looked at changing our perspective, confronting sin, and cleansing our hearts to be ready to witness the mighty deeds the Lord would perform. No matter how much we dislike conflict, our workplace is fraught with opposition and disputes. Joshua provided a battle strategy that included worship, contentment, and humility.  We also discovered how reflecting on our successes and creating memorial stones are essential for guiding teams.

The final snapshot of Joshua’s life reminds us that the Lord’s work is incomplete.  Even though we know our work must continue beyond our time as leaders, we bypass the importance of mentorship. Joshua reminds us that preparing the next generation of leaders is a two-part phase. First, we recognize that the work of the Lord continues when we identify the next generation of leaders. The second part is to train the emerging leaders by providing wise words.

Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:14-15, ESV).

Joshua was ready to retire and pass the leadership responsibilities to the next generation. He reminds them to put away failures or false gods their fathers had followed and to stay faithful to the Lord’s promises and plans. There is always unfinished business in ministry and in nursing. God’s work on earth is incomplete and He continues to use people to carry out his plans. So, whether you are changing leadership positions or retiring, actively prepare the next generation of nurses by imparting wisdom and faithfulness to God.

Joshua’s Leadership Tip #11: Reflect on Your Success

So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord had spoken to Moses. And Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal allotments. And the land had rest from war. Now these are the kings of the land whom the people of Israel defeated and took possession of their land

(Joshua 11:23; 12:1 ESV)

When we first emerge from a difficult time, it is challenging to have time to reflect on the good that was accomplished. Have you stopped and thought about what your organization gained during the COVID 19 pandemic? Or what you gained for your own nursing practice, did you gain a new skill, meet new colleagues, or find better solutions to consistent problems?

How about your personal faith, what spiritual growth did you experience?  Are you more trusting of the Lord, or have you found new confidence when challenges arise? Have you found a deeper peace or assured hope than what you felt prior to 2020?

A similar reflection can occur with regard to your family. Did the lockdown bring you closer to your loved ones and friends? I am reminded of a conversation I recently had with my granddaughter, who is 13 and spent an entire year in virtual school. We chatted about her academic struggles and depression. I asked her, “If the lockdown happens again, what will you do differently?”

Her first response was, “No way. NEVER again!”

I replied, “We hope and pray it won’t happen again, but what if it did? What would you do differently?” I then shared what I would do differently. This helped her look ahead and said, “I would get out of the house more and stay connected with my friends through Facetime.” I agreed with her plan and said, “We all need to stay more connected.”

Take some time to reflect on your successes during the pandemic—professionally, personally, and with your loved ones. Be sure to share your reflections so that we can grow as a community of nurses and believers.

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?  You are the God who works wonders;

you have made known your might among the peoples.” (Psalm 77:11-14, ESV)

Joshua’s Leadership Tip #10: Ask for the Impossible

So Joshua went up from Gilgal, he and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valor. And the Lord said to Joshua, Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands. Not a man of them shall stand before you.

Joshua 10:7-8 ESV

The Gibeonites were under attack by five kings when they reached out to their new allies, Joshua and the Israelites. Joshua inquired of the Lord about what to do. Good idea! Satan deceived Joshua through the Gibeonites when he didn’t inquire about the Lord.

To wage war with five kings is an insurmountable battle. Yet, if they won, the Israelites would eliminate key adversaries and gain territory.

When I read Joshua’s army courageously confronting five kings, I thought, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to tackle and solve five problems at once instead of tackling each problem one by one?” Like Joshua, we are assured of God’s victory in our life and must remember to seek God’s wisdom in approaching challenges.

As Joshua led the army into battle, the Lord sent their enemies into a panic and rained down large stones or hail from heaven. More died from the hailstones than the Israelites killed with a sword (10:10-12). As the battle raged on, Joshua recognized they were close to victory, and the last thing they needed was the loss of daylight. Darkness would give their enemies time to regroup, rest and strategize for the next battle. In other words, the Israelites not only needed more time, but they also needed more daylight to finish off their enemies.  

 At that time Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord gave the Amorites over to the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, “Sun, stand still at Gibeon, and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.” And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance on their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? The sun stopped in the midst of heaven and did not hurry to set for about a whole day. (Joshua 10:12-13 ESV)

Many of us are familiar with the account. My favorite part is verse 14, “There has been no day like it before or since, when the Lord heeded a man’s voice, for the Lord fought for Israel.” I love that the verse was recorded. It reminds me how the Lord listens to his people and fights for them!

As I gather prayer requests from nurses worldwide, I witness how difficult and overwhelming nursing is.  No matter where you work in nursing or your role as an educator, staff nurse, or administrator, it is likely that you are experiencing insurmountable problems. What do you need? Ask for the impossible and see what God will do. I don’t think nurses would ever ask for our day to be extended or our shift to be longer, but the Lord can make us more efficient and provide solutions.

Be encouraged that the Lord listens and directs solutions to all we are experiencing. We can stand assured that God will do the impossible!