The LVN’s just got done checking the sugar levels of the female diabetics. Except on the weekends, their chow [any meal; at that time, it was breakfast] usually would come late.
There was a particular order from the prison’s doctor not to give this one female’s insulin as it usually worked within minutes after being given. A potentially risky dose if that inmate had no food available yet. Assuming that the chow cart was on its way to her unit, the LVN went ahead and gave her morning insulin dose.
Helping the LVN’s with accuchecks on weekends that I worked, I got more familiar with each inmate on the female side. I knew that even Graham crackers would not be enough to maintain the sugar level in that particular inmate.
“She’d be alright,” one LVN uttered.
“No,” I firmly stated. “I know her. She is always our mandown even if you give her Graham crackers.”
My co-workers echoed a voice in unison: one that is not of concern. Looking at the clock on one side of the wall, they were sure that breakfast would arrive in her unit.
Except for me. I knew it wasn’t okay. Even if the chow cart arrived, it would still take a few minutes before it could be given to her. For there were so many inmates housed in one particular segment.
I had a few one dollar bills and one $10 bill tucked under my badge and ID usually concealed in my right pocket. This was meant for my morning “mocha” that always kept me awake with my long drive from work to home.
Except…I couldn’t use that available money to give to this inmate. That would be against the prison’s policy. And there was no way for her to be able to use money to buy anything to eat. They are not allowed to carry any money. They usually have funds in their accounts.
“Call her back!” I commanded the LVN who gave the insulin a little early. To the amazement of others who just didn’t want to deal with it. Except for the charge nurse who glanced at me and softly nodded in agreement. I went to our refrigerator and tried to find a "diabetic snack" tucked in one of the shelves.
Half-way from the hall, the inmate made a u-turn and headed back to the Clinic. When she arrived, I explained that I wanted to give her something to eat so that her sugar level would not bottom out even if the chow cart came late in her unit. I saw a sigh of relief. Her worn-down look managed to paint a wry smile.
I warmed up some slices of white bread and a packet of peanut butter. The bag also had an orange and a small carton of milk. I gave everything to her. She kept thanking me.
I felt good. Not for myself. But I felt good for Him. The One Who fed me when I was hungry. The One Who gave me the Living Water when I was thirsty. The One Who gave me eternal life when I was already dead.
This is what the $10 challenge is about. As Christians, we must not retreat from this secular world and associate only with Christians. We feel like retreating from all the immorality, or the violence, or evil that surround us. There is nothing wrong with that. Except we must realize that Jesus prayed for us not to be taken “out of this world” but that we would be protected from the evil one while ministering to others in this world. We need to allow our light to shine before others. We need to reflect the Light. We need to let our salt give flavor to those who surround us.
Jesus came to make God’s Name and love be known. He wanted us to know that we are loved and that God wanted to fill us with His love.
Jesus said we are His glory [John 17:10]. And God’s glory means the revelation of His character and presence.
So, whether you have a $10 bill or not, I’m sure the Lord will guide you where you can shine your light. And if one small light can be seen against the darkness, can you imagine if there are many, many lights glowing in this dark world? All because of that $10 or a simple act of unconditional love and kindness. To God be the glory!
Please head over to Brother Billy to read more about this challenge or even to join in.
Amen, amen.
ReplyDeleteThe more I read about you and find out what your spirit is like and how you help others around you the more I like you! What a nice thing you did (again) for an inmate who was in need.
ReplyDeleteThat is wonderful what you did for her, Dear. They are so blessed to have you there.
ReplyDeleteWhen I come here, I am reminded again and again of God's sovereignty, and His big plan, and how He works out things in people's lives that will best serve His purposes.
ReplyDeleteClearly, my friend, He has you right where He wants you. And you continue to respond to His call.
Thank you, thank you for all you do -- for the ways you are His hands and feet to broken people.
Great post. What an awesome Ten Dollar Challenge post!
Thank you for caring for the oppressed. Thank you for being you.
ReplyDeleteOh, wow...
ReplyDeleteI had no idea you did this. Koffijah (a missionary whose blog I visit) once said, "how we love a person has everything to do with how we see them." If you see a prisoner as somehow less of a person, then you love them less. But that's not the way Jesus loves. Thank you for loving like Jesus. That was awesome.
What a good thing you did. I like your $10 challenge.
ReplyDeleteHey RCube, I'll read bro Billy's challenge after I post but wanted to comment here first. I love this - I totally agree - being salt (and I love salt) to others gives back to us a gizzilion times more. Giving is sort of like breathing. Thanks for this. From my heart to yours - have a great day. Sarah
ReplyDeleteOh, this brought tears to my eyes. God uses you in Mighty ways indeed! Thank you for sharing your journey!
ReplyDeleteWylie
You are a Light, not only to those who don't know Christ, but also to those of us who do. I pray that we would all learn from your example and walk the walk.
ReplyDelete"Jesus prayed for us not to be taken “out of this world” but that we would be protected from the evil one while ministering to others in this world." While ministering to others, not while participating in the evils with them. That is crucial and you display it beautifully!
Love you my friend and sister in Christ!
GOD BLESS YOU FOR BEING WHERE GOD HAS PLANTED.
ReplyDeletelITTLE IS MUCH WHEN GOD IS IN IT. MAY YOU CONTINUE TO FOLLOW hIS LEADINGS.
I've come to love and appreciate you so much as a sister in Christ and as an RN. You're a good nurse and the industry needs people like you who do what you know is right for the patient; even when others don't agree.
ReplyDeleteBTW - Adored the $10 challenge and put a link to it on my blog as well.
Thank you for caring for the inmates. My dad had diabetes, and I know how critical it is that they get the proper insulin and food at the right time. I'm so thankful you're there for the inmates!
ReplyDeleteI just heard about the $10 challenge on another blog, what a great idea!
Rosel, God Bless You and your caring for others. I pray you are feeling better. Praying for you. Love you, Audrey
ReplyDeleteIt had to take courage and conviction to stand against the actions and judgment of the other nurses. Sometimes that is required, it you did it with grace for the benefit of the inmate and to the glory of God. Well done!
ReplyDelete