I want to bring light and hope into dark places

December 12, 2018

“I wanted to be a doctor, then went into AmeriCorps and met nurses doing outreach activities in the community. I love community health and health fairs. I am getting my doctorate in nursing now because one day I want to teach, but the doctor who is over me is still trying to convince me to be a doctor. My mom is a giver and always has too much on her plate, so I get caregiving and working hard from her. I work as a nurse in prison because I am concerned about young boys. I also have family members who are in prison and my uncle is my patient. I have been working there for six months and know this is what I am called to do. I don’t feel threatened or disrespected as a woman in prison because we are the healthcare unit trying to help them and give them the best care possible.

I am in school and work two full-time jobs. Burning the candle at both ends is starting to wear me down. I took the second job to financially help out a family member and it keeps me focused. I sometimes get down about being a single woman because I want to have a family one day. When I go to work at the prison, I have to be filled up and put on my armor every day because you don’t know what you are going to run into. It could be an overdose or stabbing. Sometimes it is just high blood pressure or diabetes. I have to learn how to slow down and have more time for refiling with joy from God. I want inmates to see joy in me so they can ask where it comes from. We can talk about it and this can be my ministry. It doesn’t matter what they have done to get into prison, I want to bring light and hope into dark places. I wear the flower in my hair to help spread a little joy.”

3 Comments

  1. Sher Graham
    Sher Graham on December 12, 2018 at 9:31 am

    This young lady is a remarkable role model for both young women and men. She is a light in the world that darkness has consumed others through their incorrect choices. She is a precious person who needs to be uplifted but at the same time supported to help her make good choices about her own life. Her burnout will come too soon and her own trauma will appear. May I say to her to take tie for you each day. Stop and reflect on what you are doing but realize you are not alone in your ministry to do good. Take care of you first. If you don’t take care of you, you cannot be a good caregiver to others. Your smile radiated your photo as I am sure it radiates when you are in prison or in class. Radiate your eyes when you smile at yourself in the mirror each morning for being a heart filled person who loves others and life. This was very refreshing to see your honesty. Keep up the good work but know you are important to you. Peace and Joy.

    Reply
  2. Dawn
    Dawn on December 12, 2018 at 9:47 am

    You are His light in their weary world. May God bless you with strength, hope, & wisdom as you serve Him.

    Reply
  3. Tammy M. Ruffin
    Tammy M. Ruffin on December 13, 2018 at 11:06 am

    You are definitely shining the light! Continue to do so because you are truly a blessing that the world needs 🙂

    Love you girly and Congratulations!

    Reply

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