NCFI Cares: 24/7 Protection

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91:5-6 “You need not fear the terrors
of the night, the arrow that flies by day, the plague that comes in the
darkness,or the disease that comes at noon.”

            We have
been discovering strength found in the Lord’s names, Most High and Almighty. We
also have seen how the Lord demonstrates security as a fortress, rescuer and as
our wise guardian. Our verses this week reveal what the Lord protects us from.
The goal in delving into these verses is not to be specific and think of only
plagues or disease as part of our protection. The psalmist used symbolic
language to define the vastness of dread and destruction that can come into our
lives. The writer understood that we live on a planet with chaos and death. We
are helpless against dangerous volcanoes, vicious earthquakes, and damaging
tsunamis. We share communities with evil men and women who purposefully cause
us pain and suffering. And these are just a few of the terrors and dread that
encompasses our life.

            Yet…and
thankfully, yet we have the Lord’s 24/7 protection with an eternal, around the
clock vigilance. While reading these specific phrases “terrors of night”,
“diseases at noon” we see the magnitude of protection in the seen and unseen,
the natural and unnatural. A reminder of God’s care is found in Exodus.  Where we see the Lord use extraordinary
measures to protect and guide the Israelites through much fear and calamity; their testimony encourages our faith and trust. 

 

NCFI Cares: Rest in Truth

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Psalm 91:4 “He will shelter you with his wings; you will find safety under his wings. His faithfulness is like a shield or a protective wall.”

          Have you ever seen an adult bird tuck a baby bird under
their wings? The adult bird has the strength of being larger and mature; has
acquired life-learning wisdom; and is alert to the surrounding dangers. The
baby chick rests securely, for it is weak and vulnerable depending on its
parent for sustenance, and has no knowledge of anything beyond the warmth and
security of the parent. I always think that is true protection.

            In the
simple, yet intimate life of a bird, we are given another source of God’s
protection—his faithfulness. Some bibles use “truth” meaning stability,
firmness and reliability.  At first we
may be confused to think that the word “truth” is interchangeable with the word
“faithfulness.” Yet, isn’t that where the strength and security of our Lord
comes from, is truth. The divine instruction of the Bible and the authenticity
of Jesus Christ are truth and define the faithfulness of God.

            Romans 3:3
reminds us of the indescribable law at work with God’s faithfulness—it isn’t
dependent upon the believer. For whether we believe or not, God’s faithfulness
does not change. We are to be the baby bird. The difference for us is how we
rest…are we secure and content like a baby bird under its mother’s wings? Or
are we panicking constantly peeking between the feathers to make sure all is
okay?

NCFI Cares: Our Rescuer

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“…he will certainly rescue you from the snare of
the hunter and from the destructive plague.” Psalm 91:3

       Have you
ever been caught off guard or surprised? Maybe it was a sudden accident? Notice
of losing your job? Unfortunately many of life’s painful events come to us suddenly
and without warning. Whether it is a threat to our personal or family’s well
being; a loss of job; or a natural disaster that destroys are home and
community—shock is the element. As occupants on this earth we are vulnerable to
the unknown and sudden tragedies that await us like a trap for a rabbit.

            If the
unknown does not frighten you, what about the microscopic? As health care
providers we are all too aware of the destruction of diseases and illness. A virus
or bacteria can wreck havoc to an unsuspecting victim. Whether in the water we
drink, the food we eat, or the air we breathe we are vulnerable to the
unsuspecting destruction of the smallest organisms on the planet. In the 21st
Century, an epidemic is still one of our greatest threats to human health.

            These two
scenarios found in Psalm 91:3 are enough to cause fear and panic.  And, once again we are reminded where our
security rests. In our Rescuer–Jesus Christ!  We are protected in his hand. Not immune to
disasters, but secure in his ever present providence (Hebrews 13:5; 2
Corinthians 2:10). Even though we are vulnerable to the tragedies of this
world, we have a secured eternal place with him.  

 Blessings,

Carrie

p.s. I mentioned last time about connecting truth contained
in our minds to our heart. A great way to have truth easily accessible to our
heart is to memorize scripture. As we walk verse-by-verse through Psalm 91, I
encourage you to memorize it with me. 

 

Energy Based Therapies in Christian Nursing: Part 1

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I decided to jump off the deep end and tackle energy based therapies in Christian Nursing. Over the next 3 issues, I will give an overview of concerns Christian nurses have regarding Reiki, Qigong, and Therapeutic Touch. This first article is an introduction to energy therapies and the Caritas. The brief articles can only give us a beginning point for learning about these therapies and hopeful an entry into a discussion with health care providers. 

My purpose in writing the articles was really two-fold: first, we have to become knowledgeable as Christian nurses to understand what is out there. In today’s information age, not-knowing is truly unacceptable. The internet gives most of us full access to an array of Christian, Nursing, and Bioethical resources to explore complex topics. We need to get on the web and begin finding the answers from both a theological and scientific standpoint. My second purpose is how to respond to our colleagues. Our guiding truth for responding is simple–grace and love. 
I encourage to read the articles in JCN with prayer and wisdom. The Lord continues to guide us in his love and truth, and may we be filled with his grace to both receive and to give. 
4him, Carrie

NCFI Cares: My God in whom I trust

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A military wall or high strong fence is a means of protection. It prevents enemies or vicious animals from coming inside the protected area. Those inside the protected area are secure from whatever is on the other side of the wall or fence. If the wall or fence has holes or is weak, the people inside the protected area are vulnerable. We know in our minds that the Lord is a refuge and fortress. Yet at times we have doubt or we allow fear to break into our fortress. One way we can remind ourselves of the strength of the Lord, is to say it out loud. “I will say to the Lord, my refuge and my fortress…” (Ps 91:2)

            There is strength and guidance when we speak to the Lord and recognize his protection. It is not as if the Lord provides a sudden barrier, like in action movies. Nor, is it found in our nursing knowledge or skills. The writer of the psalm or song used 4 different titles for the Lord: Most High, Almighty, the Lord, and God–these names represent the power of our Creator God and the endearing Love of our Covenant God. God’s name and character is the fortress.

            Through our spoken words, our heart grabs onto that which our mind already knows—The Almighty, the Most High is our sanctuary. When our heart and mind recognize this priceless truth we can say with confidence…”My God in whom I trust”

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NCFI Cares: The Shelter of the Most High

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He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91

Psalm 91 is a song of trust and hope that guides us in understanding our God and the protection he provides. It is not a guarantee that nothing bad will happen to us. Instead it is, as one bible scholar states “no fear and no fall”. This spiritual covering is a protection from the elements outside the Lord’s hand. We do not have to be afraid of what comes our way in this life.

Our God is the Almighty, the Supreme Being and Ruler of everything on earth and in heaven (1 Chronicles 29:11-13). And we have a choice to dwell with Him. Not just a onetime choice at salvation, but a daily surrender to the Most High. This choice brings the assurance of abiding with the Lord (1 John 4:15).Yes, pain and suffering may befall us, but we rest in the confidence that our Lord is in control and we can rest in the shadow of his presence.

During recent personal events, the Lord opened my heart to the wisdom and blessing of His security with Psalm 91. As the Lord continues to encourage me, I will encourage you with the strength and assurance each verse provides. My prayer is that His blessing will spill over to your colleagues, patients and family; for truly our cup runs over (Psalm 23:5).

Fostering Future Nurses

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First, I will go on the record to say…I am late with this blog entry. My life has gotten away from me and I am trying to get back on track. 

As a a Christian professional you may have asked, “What is the difference between mentoring and discipleship?” Mentoring is tailored for professional development from a more experienced colleague. Discipleship, like mentoring, uses the process of experience guiding the less experienced (Paul & Timothy in the NT is a great example. But, the focuses is on the spiritual maturation of the individual. Many Christians may have or have had a mature Christian guide them in the early years of faith. The article Fostering Future Nurses in Journal of Christian Nursing discusses how Christian nurses can merge discipleship with mentoring for a caring, committed relationship to guide future professionals in cultivating a Christian nurse. 
As an experienced nurse, I have had great mentors guide me as a professional nurse. My first mentor was a nurse I worked with in the hospital who really cultivated my critical thinking. When I left the hospital to teach, I told her it was because of her guidance that developed my clinical judgment and led to my move to academics. My next mentor was an excellent professor who was first my teacher then a colleague. She really gave me a solid foundation for teaching/learning, curriculum, and academic leadership.
How about you? Share your great nursing mentors…I look forward to hearing from you!
Carrie 

NCFI Cares: Nurses’ Day Blessing

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As an organization of international nurses, NCFI is especially aware of the sacrifices men and women have made to provide nursing care for all people. We recognize the time and energy it takes to travel to provide care to people in remote, the challenge to support families with difficult choices, and the commitment to teach the next generation of nurses. We understand the long hours and dedication to achieve excellence in Christian nursing. Our hearts are filled with joy as the Lord works in each one of you. Every day and especially this day, we want to provide a special blessing and anointed word over you. Hopefully, wherever you are or whatever you are doing this week, you will take time to hear the following Nurses’ Day Blessing from NCFI for you:

                      “NCFI leaders and staff give thanks to God daily for each nurse.  They come into the presence of God,our Father to pray for the nurses within NCFI and those who have yet to be blessed by the organization. As fellow nurses they are constantly aware of your work of faith in being obedient to God’s will in your life and the labor of love you joyfully carry out for your patients and families. They pray that you remain steadfastness with hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring fruit to your labors and strength to your journey. amen (modifications to 1 Thess 1:3)

NCFI Cares: No Fear

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Many of us know the story of Paul, who was Saul. The person instrumental to the Paul’s conversion is the person Ananias, “a disciple of the Lord.”  The Lord comes to him in a vision and directs Ananias to go and present the gospel to Saul. Remember, Saul had been violently persecuting Christians. So when Ananias receives this personal directive from God, he argues and says, “Excuse me Lord, do you know who this Paul is?” Ananias is trembling with fear and not sure if the Lord is really saying, “Go”.

Fear is a powerful deterrent to our obedience to God. Many of us may not be asked to go someplace fearful, but we may be asked to talk with someone who frightens us. Or we may be asked by God take on an unfamiliar role in nursing, or provide care for patients different from ourselves. The Lord will ask you to do something that is uncomfortable. It is also important to note, that what is fearful for me, may not be fearful for you.

The Lord responds to Ananias fear by saying, “Go, because this man (Saul) is my chosen instrumentto carry my name before Gentiles and kings and the people of Israel”(Acts 9:15). So, Ananias follows the Lord’s instructions and meets with Saul to baptize him. Saul receives the first hand of love and forgiveness through Ananias. The Lord will call on us and we will have fears, but the Lord will guide us, strengthen us, and most importantly work through us for His glory.

NCFI Cares: Global Fellowship

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If you were recently at the NCFI international conference in Chile or a regional/national conference, you probably connected with nurses from another country or region. During these conferences we not only enjoy beautiful scenes, explore new cultures, and gain nursing knowledge; we also open our eyes and hearts to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our connection with nurses outside our area helps us see how nursing is different, yet the same around the world. We may have different jobs in nursing, yet we share the bond of caring for patients. We learn of the various hardships in nursing. Some nurses lack supplies, some lack enough nurses, while others lack money. We also share our personal struggles with one another. Some nurses face persecution for their Christian faith. While others may be experiencing health and/or family concerns. In fact, global fellowship is one of the many exciting things about NCFI. For through our connection with a large multi-member international organization, we can build relationships founded on Christ. Take time this month to pray for each region. “Be on alert with all perseverance and petition for all saints” (Ephesians 6:18). Praise God for his work across the globe in nursing and lift up those who experience hardships.