In The Line Of Duty

Monday, April 20, 2020
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "Simply Trusting"1 (Lyrics)

When I was a student, I spent two summers in Jasper, Alberta, Canada, working in service jobs, as many students still do, earning money for the next university semester. Many mountains encircle Jasper, one being Mount Edith Cavell, its sharp face silhouetted against the clear western skies. It is beautiful, snow-capped, and surrounded by alpine meadows and dark forests. It was named after a medical professional whose devotion to duty and faith speak much to those who serve selflessly during the COVID-19 epidemic.

Edith Cavell was a British nurse, born in Norwich in 1865, and served in a Red Cross hospital in occupied Belgium during World War I. A devoted Christian, she instructed her nurses that "any wounded must be treated, friend or foe. … Each man is a father, husband, or son. As nurses, you must take no part in the quarrel." However, she successfully hid and aided over 200 trapped French and Belgian soldiers to escape to neutral Holland. Arrested as a spy, she was court-martialled and executed by firing squad in October 1915. When she was told on the eve of her death that she would be remembered as a heroine and martyr, she said, "Think of me as a nurse who tried to do her duty. I realize that patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone."

Her courage and humility echo that of Jesus.

1 Peter 2:23 – When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. (ESV)

Do you know a medical professional who shows the same courage and love of people that Edith Cavell had? Pray for the nurses, doctors, technicians, paramedics, and cafeteria and cleaning staff who are working so diligently to stop the rampage of the pandemic at the risk of their own lives. Pray for their families and all who support them in the battle. We owe much to them.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we pray for Your mercy and strength for all health and medical professionals and support staff, who stand between Your people and the pandemic virus. Protect and nourish them as they heal and care for our nation and all peoples. Amen.

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About the author:

Shirley Moulton <shirley_moulton@yahoo.ca>
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Thank you.


    Amen, Shirley.


    Thank you, Shirley, for this example and lesson of courage.


    Thank you for sharing. I have often been in the Jasper area but never
    researched the story behind the name. A timely piece for today. Keep
    safe.


    Good morning Shirley
    What a wonderful devotion this morning, I had never heard that story,
    and such a good lesson in there for all of us.
    Blessings.


    Hi Shirley:
    I receive PresbyCan for many years, and after my devotion I share with many associates from: Canada, USA, China, Panama and Sri Lanka. Today’s devotion is very appropriate to the prevailing situation we are living in.
    Thank you.


    Hello Shirley
    I have enjoyed and appreciated all your devotionals. This one is especially interesting as it reminds me of my wonderful cousin. A nurse, who upon graduation, served in the mission hospital in northern British Columbia. It was to be temporary, but she is still there after over fifty years.
    Many thanks.


    Thank you so much for that! And I am happy to now know the story of Edith Cavell! My father remarried, a woman who actually was the director of nursing at the Edith Cavell school of nursing in Bellville Ontario. She certainly fulfilled her calling in nursing, even nursing my father till he died of a massive stroke. She is now over 90 and still very active.


    Dear Shirley,
    Thanks for another very timely devotional. As a nurse I can relate well to the situation I had, of caring for the victim in the main ward and the attacker in a security ward on the same floor in the hospital back in my working days. Emotions had to be put aside and focus centred on diligent nursing care with guidance of caring love and mercy from our Lord. So grateful that He is ever present with abiding love to give us the strength to go forward in difficult situations of our daily lives.
    Blessings for these writings that you submit.
    (B.C.)


    Thank you, Shirley for getting to the heart of things. Love to you.


    Wonderful story.
    Thanks for sharing.

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