The Strong Gust Of Wind

“We’ll have a meeting in the Pharmacy in a few minutes,” whispered the Supervisor last night as she stood on my left side, making a phone call to summon the other nurse who always worked in a special housing unit across from Infirmary.

Slowly, one by one, the pharmacy was getting filled with bodies whose minds were curious what was going on and anticipating what the meeting would be about. A meeting we never had in a very long time. Curious minds who always thought about negative things were already busy trying to delve into past situations that could, perhaps, contributed to an impending talk.

“Good night everyone,” hollered one LVN whose evening shift was coming to a close.

“Drive carefully,” I replied as I just arrived few minutes earlier to start my 4 hours of work to help out the night crew.

“There were strong gusts of wind all over the road. So many rigs traveling so, ‘Be careful!’” I added.

She wove her right hand and acknowledged the warning and thanked me.

I remembered years ago. In 2006 in fact. When our area had strong, gusty winds. It always came. Here and there. Never had it in a long time. But with this winter weather seeming to be short, alternating hot and cold temps, the gusts were making a visit for the next 4 days. Challenging for those traveling a long distance. Like me. Between my home and workplace.

The form was getting full of signatures as each of us wrote our names to make our presence known in the meeting. The Supervisor, holding one radio on her hand, cleared her throat as the din of whispers and laughter mixed-in and eyes that were talking died down.

“I gathered all of us today to welcome the new nurse and introduce ourselves to her also.” All smiling faces declared their names to the new nurse who seemed to be already enjoying the crew and the ambiance of the challenging workplace.

“I wanted to talk to each one of you to let you know that if there’ s any problem, you can come and talk to me. I don’t want any negative talks going around especially if not true. It’s even worse when you tell someone and that someone tells me. I don’t want anyone making a rumor that “that person or persons are lazy!” No one is lazy in my crew. And that statement reflects on my performance also as your supervisor. You know how hard each one of us work and like what I said, ‘Come and talk with me if there’s any problem. Any situation.’”

Many bowed their heads down. I knew she was right. Of how some loved to start the grapevine and its fruit was sour and rotting. Most of the time, the story was not even true. 

The winds were very strong outside. Yet, we, prison medical staff was facing strong winds of rumor inside the thick walls. I was grateful for this new supervisor. She knew how to face that kind of winds and instead of letting the morale be affected, would confront problems right away. She was never afraid of such winds of gossiping and ill attitudes. 

Back in December 2006, I was getting afraid of the strong winds while driving on dark, unfamiliar roads while on my way to work. Giant tumbleweeds would appear from nowhere, threatening to cross my paths. But with prayers and faith, I found myself safely parked in the gated parking lot. Calm instead of panicking. Courageous instead of being fearful.

For in our life's journeys, we are facing opposing winds. Either we let the winds of evil blow us away or allow the winds of grace and mercy scatter us all around and be established where He wants us to be. To make known His precious gift of forgiveness and love to others who still don't know Jesus. And with Christ, no strong wind of adversity can ever stop God's power residing in the obedient heart whose desire is to share God's goodness and the Good News to those who are not aware of His mercy.

I Know (a song He gave me on 12/3/06)

I know with You I’m completely new

And I know that Your Word is forever true

I know that You’re Lord and Savior of all

And I know, Jesus, You love my soul

Chorus:

I’m able to stand as You hold my hand

Please draw me closer to You

You took away all of my fears

Jesus, to me, please be near

I know on the cross You died for all

And I know what You did is immeasurable

I know that Your grace and love rained on me

And I know, Jesus, You had set me free

(Spoken):

Cause I know...You're the only way, the Truth and the Life... No one can go to the Father but through You...
 Jesus, I know...You're the Bread of Life... Whoever goes to You will not hunger nor thirsts...
 Jesus, I know...You're the Light of the world... Whoever walks with You will not have darkness but have the Light of life...
Jesus, I know... You're the Alpha and Omega...You're the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End...
(repeat Chorus)...Jesus, I know... By God's grace, "I am what I Am..."

Thank You Lord, for helping us overcome any strong gusts of trials in our journeys. Please help us Lord to remember to do things for Your glory. For our lives are not about us but about You. Help us reflect Your Light into the darkness. Thank You Lord for I know that with You, and only with You, we are able to go far, for more miles, despite the gusts of wind. Giving us courage to drive away any fear in our hearts. Thank You Lord.