Fruits of the Spirit

2020 has been named ‘The International Year of the Nurse and Midwife’ by the World Health Organisation. To honour our nurses, many of our students recently helped to create a video message acknowledging them for the work they do, the sacrifices they make and the value they bring to our society. Nurses deserve our utmost gratitude not just for the work they are doing now during this COVID19 pandemic, but for the work they have done throughout history.

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale - the world’s most famous nurse. Florence Nightingale was born in 1820 and was known as the founder of modern nursing. During her long career as a nurse, she helped solders during the Crimean War and was the first female to receive the Order of Merit, the highest honour awarded to a British person. As a nurse she was given the name 'the lady with the lamp' because at night, she checked on the wounded soldiers and always carried 'The Lamp' with her.

Florence came from a wealthy family with the expectation that she become domesticated and marry a rich man. She defied her given role to pursue the ‘lowly’ job of nursing. She believed helping others and making a difference was the most heroic endeavour.

Her story can inspire us to step up to the challenges or goals that we are faced with and make a difference for others. We may not be a nurse, but we can make a difference to people just by demonstrating some of the characteristics she displayed - integrity, compassion, honesty, courage, humility and love.

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” – Galatians 5:22-23