I was starting to become short of breath after dashing right behind another nurse who was running a little faster than I could. Holding the big kit that had a big basin and other materials we possibly needed, our loud footsteps and the set of keys in my right pocket made noises that filled the entire long corridor, leading to one of the units for female inmates. We just received a call that a pregnant inmate was in pain and looked like she was in labor. The charge nurse already knew who it was even before they mentioned the name, as medical staff had been keeping track of those who were in their later term of pregnancy.
We saw her crying, forgetting to breathe at times as the deputy tried to console her and comfort her. We had her get up on our exam table in a small clinic and as the other nurse signaled that she felt the baby's head starting to come out, I immediately called for an ambulance over the radio to the charge nurse. Soon enough, the rest of nurses and other higher ranking custody staff came in and were standing by to help us out. The interventions were quick. The adrenaline was being felt all over that tiny room. As I started the paperworks, some of the nurses were encouraging her and helping her remember her breathing. The contractions seemed to be narrowing in between and the more tears she shed as they did.
There was something about delivering a baby that brought both excitement and joy. Despite the setting, we seemed to have forgotten the dark place and the vision of heavy metal bars beyond the glass window of the clinic. Everyone was excited, awaiting the birth of a special gift that was about to come. The ambulance arrived. More blood gushed out. But she was able to be transported to the nearest hospital. The baby did not arrive in the prison which in a way, everyone was thankful for. Because being born in the jail was not a desirable place at all.
But thousands of years ago, a unique birth happened in Bethlehem. It was already prophesied years before. Conceived by the Spirit. Born in an undesirable place: in a stable. Heaven's Greatest Gift to mankind: JESUS...Who came as a suffering servant but will come again as King and Judge. The true meaning of Christmas...
Do you see Jesus as a baby in the manger or is He the Lord of your life? Have you accepted heaven's gift of love into your heart?
Friends, Merry Christmas to all of you and may you be filled with His richest spiritual blessings come 2011...I'm on and off blogging. Thank you for your love, prayers and friendships. God bless.
That is interesting as I recently watched a segment on a woman that is incarcerated in Texas. She is in a very nice setting for herself and baby. I am sure not all are that nice. Thank you for the great message and I am thankful for what my Lord and Savior has done for me... {hugs}
ReplyDelete@sunnycalgirl: I believe some institutions have some great programs like the one you had seen. Where I work is a huge detention facility. So, not geared for long term stay. They get transferred to state prisons after their trials of whatever place applies. Thank you. God bless and Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThe Book of Matthew spoke of Emmanuel, "God with us" right off the bat in Chapter 1.
ReplyDeleteWe remember this every Christmas.
But like an Alpha and Omega reminder, Matthew pulled a stunner, by ending his Gospel in Chapter 28 by quoting Our Lord, Jesus Christ in the final sentence....a sentence that echoed the beginning of Emmanuel in Chapter 1.
Matthew starts: Emmanuel "God with us".
Matthew ends with Christ speaking the same:
"And surely I am with you ALWAYS, to the very end of the age.”
As I peruse the blog, "Off The Beaten Trek", I am reminded during the year, not just at Christmas, that "God is with us" and "surely He is with us ALWAYS, to the very end of the age...
in all the posts I read.
The Good News, our Saviour has come to set us free, began with the echoes of a baby crying.
If you see the mom in this above story in the future, Rosel, please tell her she and her baby are prayed for often, by people she is unaware.
The same is true for you.
God be with ye! .....and, Merry Christmas.
Keystone
Great story, and great video. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteRosel thanks for sharing the video and your story dear one. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas! Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
ReplyDeleteIt has been so long Rosel. Love the new blog layout. Great post, what a scary, yet amazing experience! Merry Christmas! Love, Lou
ReplyDeleteRosel,
ReplyDeleteBless you. I'm not sure there has been one single time that I have come here and NOT seen the Lord and HIS anointing in your words. You are such a willing vessel to share HIS love, His Words, His ways no matter what it is that HE provides for you each and everyday in your life. You see HIM and share HIS Love with all of us. those inside the walls of confinement as well as those who may even be confined inside their own walls of fear, failure, loss ....nevertheless, they find hope in the lessons the Lord shares through you my friend. thank you for allowing HIM to use you, for having ears to hear and a heart that so willingly obeys!
I love you. Merry Christmas to you and yours. I am so thankful the Lord brought our paths together.
Dear Rosel,
ReplyDeleteThat made me cry. This Mom, for whatever bad choices she has made, is in jail. Now her child will be shipped off to family or to a new family. Even though a birth is a wonderful, beautiful miracle, this Mom will grieve her loss. So sad. :o(
Love & sweet hugs to you. Merry Christmas!
Beth
This is such an inspirational testimony about God's love and creation. A child was born into this world and it is my prayer that this will change the heart and soul of the mother. I wish you and your family a Merry CHRISTmas. God bless, Lloyd
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Rosel! What a heart-felt reminder of the birth of our Savior. It is amazing how the birth of a child brings light into darkness - bring hope!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post my friend!
ReplyDeleteA blessed Christmas to you and your family.
Regards.
Loved the video!
ReplyDeleteHow sad to have to bring a child into the world while in prison. But each baby is a gift.
Merry Christmas to you my friend.
Debbie