Carol Purves

During this pandemic many of our wonderful medical staff have died. Not many of you will know the name of Cecilia Fashanu but she was a nurse in our local hospital. She has been described as passionate, caring, gentle and meek. Not a bad obituary. She was 63 years old and had trained in Nigeria.

Her son has described her as ‘the centre of gravity’ and she had ‘patience for all the patients.’ He also said that only their faith in God has kept them going. We do thank God for all the Christian medical staff that we have. Some have paid the ultimate sacrifice and we owe them a debt we can never repay

‘She is worth far more than rubies.’ Proverbs 31:10

This week I climbed a small Wainwright. OK it was only a tiny one, number 192. Going up there was a slight drizzle; not good for me wearing glasses. It was not possible to see the top because of the mist. When we did reach the top we couldn’t see where we’d come from.

Then we were assailed by the strong wind but we found shelter to eat a snack and after photos to record the climb we turned to come down. The photos emphasised the inclement weather.

As wedescended out of the mist the weather changed. We could see our cars in the valley and two of the local lakes. By looking hard we could see the Solway and Scotland. Then the mist moved obliterating that view and revealing another. Mist was on the move all the time.

It was my friend who pointed out how like life this was. Sometimes we are in the mist; surrounded by problems and not seeing a way out. Then we see a ray of sunshine and life becomes easier. Weather and life do not stay the same. We can be on the mountain top of life or down in the valley.

It is then, and always, that we need our God. He is not like the swirling mist; He is like the solid rock beneath our feet. “On Christ the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand.”

We have recently celebrated the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale as we also celebrate the 75 years of the N.H.S.

Described as the Lady with Lamp because she carried a lamp as she visited the injured soldiers of the Crimean War, she elevated the status of nursing as she wished it to be ‘a profession for ladies of excellence.’

What is not so well known is the fact that at the age of 17 she received a call from God to be a nurse. Everything she did for the sick she likened to the equivalent to being in a church serving God. She urged her nurses to be Christlike in everything they did.

Her dedication didn’t stop at the end of the Crimean War; she continued in her task for another 50 years.

A 46 sq foot stained glass window is being designed for Romsay Abbey commemorating her life, bearing the words ‘Lo, it is I.’ Also included in the window are the words from Isaiah, ‘Here I am Lord, send me .

Great Britain – 15 weeks and counting. For some people living under lockdown is improving but for others maybe the bad times are still to come. Hang on to your love of God, He will guide you and direct you. As we have proved nothing else is completely dependable.

‘Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life, that the Lord has provided to those who love Him. ‘ James 1:12

In my country we are in week 15 of lockdown. Life has been difficult for everyone in different ways. No-one knows when things will be back to normal, whatever normal will be. So we just need to hang there, looking more to God and His wisdom. He will see us through.

‘Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything.’ James 1:4

There is nowhere in the world we can escape from God, even if we want to. And as we know He is also in space. He was on the moon. Of course He is, He made it.

‘If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there you will guide me; Your right hand will hold me fast.’ Psalm 139:9-10

‘My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.’ Philippians 4:9

Note, this text doesn’t say God will will meet all our wants. Our wants might be different to our needs. Needs are what we need, obviously. And we can be sure that God will meet them faithfully.

‘No eye has seen, no ear heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.’ 1 Corinthians 2:9

We know the the Lord is completely reliable but in the stress and strains of life, we can forget. May we never forget in the dark what we have learned in the light. He is surely our fortress and refuge.

‘I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.’ Psalm 91:2

We need protection and safety. Many of the things we have relied on in the past have been swept away. Some never to return. We need something that will never let us down whatever. God ticks all the boxes.

‘Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.’ Psalm 91:1