from a straight-talking, truth-telling nurse

Good morning people,
Are we able to say, “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it”? It is true - every day - it is true. But honestly, some days I wake up, go downstairs, remember the struggle our nation and world is enduring and am weary of it. I feel trapped. I can even start my little own pity party. At times like this I try to remember those who are able to get out of the house…and go to work in a hospital or nursing home. Please know, we have people in our membership and in our circle of friends who, in this time of pandemic, are committed to serving the sick and vulnerable . They have watched people die from the corona virus; they watch others fight for their lives.
Here are a few thoughts from a nurse that were sent to me by a friend. This nurse is a no nonsense lady. She is a straight-talking, truth-teller:
“Staying home is not the worst thing in the world. Your rights have not been taken away. If you really think that it is ok to just go out and have a good time with friends and family, come to the fricking hospital and see what is really going on. Come see how sick these patients are and how tired us nurses are. Come see what we have to do to go in a room and see a patient. You staying home with your family is a gift! Patients in the hospital have no one there but the nurses and other staff. Be thankful all you have to do is stay home. I cannot even spend time with my family because of being afraid of giving them Covid 19. Everyone needs to sit down and shut up and enjoy family time. Not going to Target is not the end of the world. Get over yourself. You will survive.” Hard words…true words. Let us pray for the health-care warriors on the front lines:
Compassionate God of healing,
we ask your blessing on those who emulate you
as they provide the ministry of healing to all those in need.
Guide, bless, and encourage your faithful health care servants
who willingly jeopardize their own, and their family’s,
health and safety to confront sickness and disease.
Enable them to relieve suffering and assist in the healing process.
Lord, you loved us enough to walk in our midst on a disease-filled Earth.
Even now, abide in with us and surround all engaged in the healing sciences and arts.
Bless them as they labor for you in stressful, anxious, and sometimes threatening settings.
Keep them close in your loving embrace. Amen.
And God bless you, brothers and sisters,
Pastor Michael​