Just...Leave!!!

I felt an arm went through mine and slightly tugged to pull me away from some nurses surrounding us. It was a co-worker I used to work with when I was working night shifts. We had a great relationship not only as being co-workers, but also as sisters in Christ. Praying together. Our shoulders available to each other whenever one needed a shoulder to cry on. Cautious with our tongues whenever we heard rumors and stories that sounded good to be true. Not afraid to say something to each other when we knew that our steps might not be taking the right road that might end up hurting us.

“Hi sister!” I exclaimed with excitement as I pulled my left arm she took and wrapped both instead on her to give her a hug.

“Please pray for me,” was the first thing she said.

“What’s wrong?”

“I haven’t been sleeping for some nights now. It’s difficult.”

“Stress or any problem?”

“Not really.”

“Good. But still…I know it’s hard when your body is chasing after sleep.”

“I will sister…I will…”

She asked about my case and I asked her in return to pray for me. For God to help me forgive despite the wrong done. I told her how God has always been good. That was no surprise to her knowing His nature. 

“Pray for me, sister…That I would be able to forgive those people in power who have wronged me.”

“What’s your plan now?”

“That’s another thing. I don’t know yet if there’s another road that He wants me to take at this time.”

“But He gives me peace…You know what I mean…”

With another tight hug, we rounded up our short conversation as she needed to start pulling the hundreds of medications for the units assigned to her. Briefly, we had talked about so much chaos going on at work. A nurse quit. One got fired. One threatening to demote herself to working lesser hours because she was not allowed to go to PM shift that she wanted because of her personal reasons. Some got promoted but already facing struggles with people who never liked the way they managed the Clinic.

“Pray? We need to pray for people here.” We both agreed.

“Let’s go! Time to go home!” yelled the night nurse I worked with as her purse dangled from her palm.

Grabbing my own from the corner of the table, I hurried my steps to keep up with hers. I was leaving a place known to keep inmates. Leaving my co-workers who could get out of the prison after work but the sad truth was that…most of them were perhaps not living free. Liking the earthly principles and wisdom that in return would not get them anywhere.  And I knew at that moment, I needed perseverance in bending my knees more and folding my hands together in prayers for God to save not only me but also my co-workers. To save any of us from any afflictions, temptations, or troubles. May our workplace be filled with His love, grace and mercy as confusion abounds. For God is not God of confusion but of order.

It was winter but the air outside was not the expected freezing breaths from the skies. Yet, it felt good to be out of the prison and breathed fresher air. It felt good to just get out. And in its true sense, that was how it would be whenever we could get out of anything that trapped us. Sometimes, it’s easier to just LEAVE…

I am suffering and in pain. Rescue me, O God, by your saving power. – Psalm 69:29 (NLT)

But as for me, I am poor and needy; please hurry to my aid, O God. You are my helper and my savior; O LORD, do not delay. – Psalm 70:5 (NLT)

But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "God is great!" – Psalm 70:4 (NLT)