The Lady With The Lamp

She wasn't anything special, other than having a quick-wit and a love for God. She had no particular talents. By all accounts you might've said, "She's ordinary.'' She wasn't expected to accomplish anything great. Born to a wealthy English family in 1820, her only expectation in the elite, Victorian Society circle was to get married and have children.

But when God has a plan for someone's life, He only requires you to be willing and available for HIS PURPOSE. In 1837, she heard a call from God. This calling became so overwhelming that she went against all traditions, much to the opposition of her parents. Florence began to travel, studying the field of Nursing and Mathematics. She eventually worked in a London clinic. When the Crimean War broke out, she boldly took a group of women she trained and headed for the British Military Hospitals. This was very controversial, yet she pushed forward doing God's will. She worked tirelessly, caring for these men. She made rounds late into the night, checking on each patient. She carried a light in the evening, making her rounds and was affectionately called, "The Lady with the Lamp,” a bright light in the dark, dingy, hospital. She brought God's Love, Help and Word to these men.

She tirelessly petitioned on behalf of the deplorable conditions & led a reform campaign which was instrumental in changing the hygiene, sanitation and treatment of patients in hospitals. Florence Nightingale's memory still shines today. She established the groundbreaking, Nightingale Training School for nurses. She was awarded the Royal Red Cross by Queen Victoria in 1883 and was the first woman to receive the Order of Merit in 1907. Florence Nightingale heard God's call and answered with a resounding, "Yes Lord!" She followed Jesus Christ's example. She lived her life in the service of others.

God has a plan for each of us. He had a plan for His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus was faithful to fulfill His Father's will and provided a way for us to also follow in His footsteps. As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, let's not forget His example. Seek to show love, seek to serve others, seek to pick up your cross daily and do His Will, His good and perfect will for your life.

Happy Birthday Jesus! Merry Christmas!

"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel-which means, "God with us."
Matthew 1:23

"I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved."
John 10:9

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-just as the Father knows me and I know the Father-I lay down my life for the sheep."
John 10:14-15

"You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men."
Luke 7:8

Read the Birth of Jesus Christ- Luke 2:1-40