Insights
"Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me," (Psalm 119:133) and "He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber," (Psalm 121:3, ESV). These are reassuring words to hold on to when it feels like your entire world is in chaos!!
Many parish/faith community nurses across the nation have voiced their concerns as budgets, and sometimes entire ministries are cut. It can be devastating to have your work disintegrate before your eyes through no fault of your own. It is my prayer that through this column I am able to reassure you that your efforts to care for others through health ministry are not in vain!! Hold on to the understanding that the ministry is the Lord's. God knows the outcome of your efforts even though you may never know who you influenced or the future of your ministry. If you find yourself knee-deep in change take a deep breath and say "thank you" to God until you mean it!! In the midst of great trials in the first century, the apostle James wrote, "Whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything," (James 1:2-4, NLT).
Losing or restructuring of a health ministry program is not fun, but I recognize that every time an aspect of my nursing career has ended something new and wonderful replaces it!! Hold on to your dreams and talk to God about your challenges and disappointments. He is ever faithful and will not abandon you, but will encourage you and help you to grow. God's plans are so much better and more exciting than our own plans. That makes it worth the effort to learn patience and be content in all situations!!
Discussion Forum
When certification is available for parish nursing, will you become ANCC* certified? Send your comments to: [email protected]
Flashback
Saint Teresa of Avila (Spain, 1515-1583) is one of history's great authorities on contemplative prayer. She is described as extroverted and affectionately buoyant, with the ability to adapt herself easily to all kinds of persons and circumstances. "Her courage and enthusiasm were readily kindled" (http://www.karmel.at/eng/teresa.htm). She went through many changes and severe challenges throughout her life-physically, socially, and spiritually. Regardless of her circumstance she persevered knowing God was in charge. May her words encourage you to also persevere in whatever circumstances you find yourself.
Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing make you afraid.
All things are passing.
God alone never changes.
Patient endurance attains all things.
If you have God you will want for nothing.
God alone suffices.
Teresa of Avila
Resource Toolbox
Resources for difficult times:
* Interior Castle and The Way of Perfection by Saint Teresa of Avila
* Getting Through the Tough Stuff by Charles Swindoll
* Spiritual Crisis: Surviving Trauma to the Soul by J. LeBron McBride
* Thriving Through Crisis by Bill O'Hanlon
* Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers:A Guide to Stress, Stress-Related Diseases, and Coping by Robert Sapolsky
* The Art of the Long View:Planning for the Future in an Uncertain World by Peter Schwartz
All books were available through Amazon.com at the time of printing.