Thank you for prayers!

Cindy is now happily and productively serving at Hope Lodge, a residence for temporary guests undergoing cancer treatments. Hope Lodge is a service of the American Cancer Society, and Jacksonville is home to one of its newest outreaches. Cindy is excited to be a part of this service opportunity and she is beaming with joy to be about helping people.

God is also at work in the construction of my vocation and ministry. I have been entrusted with more in the Emergency Department, and God has been faithful to be beside me every time. I pray for all my patients and coworkers, that I may be a vessel of healing, encouragement, and support to them, then I watch for the answers to those prayers. I get to pray over and with my patients. Some receive Bible handouts, others a healing touch or word of encouragement, and I try not to pass anyone without sharing a loving smile. Some think I’m crazy, others wonder where I get all my energy, and some get to hear a testimony of God’s greatness in condensed form, but God is being glorified in a metropolitan emergency department one patient at a time.

Last week a young tough guy came in for something minor but, in our interaction, came to tears when he realized someone cared for him and the trauma he had grown up in. “I know I came in for something else, but I believe I was sent here to meet you,” he said on his way out.

“No one has ever put it that way before!” responded another lady when I told her that, because her Creator found her worth dying for, she was certainly worth whatever it takes to receive excellent care.

I joined in worship with a woman who, while confirming her end of life decisions, said, “Young man, I have an appointment to meet my Creator, and if you come between me and that meeting, I’ll have nothing but cross words for you.” We rejoiced that we would have eternity together in God’s presence, to catch up.

A woman who came with anxiety in her heart heard from the doctor that little could be done except that appropriate referrals were made and medical conditions were ruled out. I spent personal time with her, lovingly coaching and acknowledging her fears and hurts, then asked for permission to pray with her. She eagerly took me up on my offer for prayer and a Gospel of John booklet, and left happier, healthier, and with vital signs that proved she had been transformed in our meeting.

These are but a few of the incredible ways God continues to work in our lives. I encourage you to ask God to use you as an encouraging fountain of joy, and to start reaching out with smiles and encouraging words, and see how He is always faithful, even when we sometimes forget to be.

May the Father of Lights and the Lord of Love pour out Himself through you and me as we continually seek to glorify Him through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen!

P.S. I almost forgot. I made the Dean’s List in my ongoing Nursing studies at the University of Florida, and am on track to graduate with my bachelor’s degree in August, God willing. Please don’t forget to pray for us. Juggling it all can get overwhelming sometimes.