With so much fear happening right now as a result of COVID-19, there are many patients that are in fear of dying and asking for prayer. In some hospitals, many staff will be more concerned with their agenda and not the patient’s thoughts or concerns. Our own beliefs as a nurse can impact a patient in many ways. For instance, if you find yourself in a Christian Hospital where praying is okay with a patient and encouraged, and you feel comfortable asking the patient if they would like to pray, then you would do that. Now in the same situation, if you are a nurse that is not very religious but work in a Christian Hospital and a patient asks you to pray with them, it can be very awkward for the nurse. The nurse can let the patient know that she will stay there as the patient prays and a warm touch of the nurse’s hand on the patient’s hand can be all the comfort that the patient needed (DeNisco & Barker, 2012). However, many staff will be fearful to do this because of COVID-19. But remember even through a mask, gown, gloves, and a face shield, we as nurses and healthcare givers can still provide someone that is afraid that warm and caring support and a smile that will let them know we care.
References
DeNisco, S. M., & Barker, A. M. (2012). Theory-based advanced nursing practice. Advanced practice nursing: Evolving roles for the transformation of the profession (2nd ed., pp. 5-18). [Vital Source Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://campus.capella.edu/web/library/home
I have to admit that the last three weeks have been a whirlwind of information overload. We have heard updates from our President, our Governor, and our County Mayor. Through all of the news stations, online journalists, and newspapers, our social media has been bombarded with news of people getting sick with the COVID-19, people dying, businesses laying employees off, food and other supplies unavailable on the shelves, and families forced into working from home and homeschooling their children. But through it all when I sit out on my back porch the silence is deafening. I have been praying daily several times a day for our nation and our leaders. I have also prayed for my family’s protection from this invisible but deadly virus.
I feel God’s peace in my life. I go to bed at peace, I work during the day and I am at peace, I wake up and I am at peace. But I have to ask myself why is there silence? Has God forgotten about His children? Are we being punished as a global nation? As I read through scriptures and devotions and pray, it occurred to me that the reason there is silence is that for many years there was noise. The hustle and bustle of driving to work on overcrowded interstates, rushing to go here and there, parties at bars and venues, hate crimes, protests for different causes, bullying in schools and the workplace, as well as an increase in divorce rates, and abortions.
With the closing of non-essential businesses and a shelter-in order of everyone in their homes, the earth has been silenced. I see people walking and running outside for exercise, families playing on their front and back porches as well as riding their bicycles. There has been a silence of the news talking about crimes, protests, and all the news that causes stress to many because the focus has shifted to the virus. But again, I ask myself, why now? What is God trying to do with our global nation?
Yesterday I sent out messages on Facebook on our support pages for Empowering Women and Girls, our neonatal intensive care unit support page, and several texts to friends to just do a well check. I felt the need to connect with them to see how they were doing and what I can do to help them during this difficult time. Many responses were general to say that they were doing as well as can be expected given the circumstances; but some were sad because their jobs laid them off, while others were scared or angry because their employers were making them work without any protection of wearing a mask not knowing who they can be exposed to. I thought about it and responded with words of encouragement. But as I thought further, I sent information to some on work at home jobs and to others, I encouraged them to take this time to do something for themselves that they wanted to do; whether to go back to school or something as simple as rearranging closets, answering emails, and organizing their business marketing and websites.
As I continued about my day yesterday, I still felt a pull in my heart that there was something I was not grasping during this time. I prayed before bed and asked God to show me what is the lesson that we are all supposed to learn here? It wasn’t until midnight that it came to me and immediately I got up to write this blog that you are reading today. This is all about a Silent Night, a Holy Night, and John 3:16; ” For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ” I know you may be asking what does that have to do with this pandemic. We are “one nation under God; indivisible with liberty and justice for all.” When you look up the meaning of indivisible, it means unable to be divided. Our nation and our families have been divided for quite some time. Our worship to Him has been diminished because something always distracts us from our time spent with Him. Our family life has suffered for many because we are focused on working all the time (myself included). This is not a post about pointing fingers and shaming anyone as the phrase says when you point at someone remember there are three fingers pointing right back at you.
When God sent His Son to die on the cross for us, He sent Him to save us, forgive our sins, and to worship Him. As a nation we did okay for a few years, but then the inevitable started and we lost our focus along the way. This last year we have seen hate among races and preferences, bullying, suicide, mental health problems including depression, murders, employers overworking employees not leaving enough time for them to spend with their families, and fearful if they do not keep up that they will lose their jobs. I am not saying that God came down from the Heavens last night and said all this to me, I am saying that when I prayed last night and asked God why this is happening, this is what I felt in my heart. Since we as a nation will not or cannot stop and change our circumstances either by choice or not, He gave us a way to stop and have a Silent Night/A Holy Night. What does that mean? Well, there is not one person in the entire world that is not affected in some way by this pandemic. Either we know someone that has it, we have it, our job is affected, or we are home on shelter in. Everyone has been touched by this. Now that God has our undivided attention, it is time for that Silent Night/Holy Night. Spend time with God, ask Him to forgive your sins (no one is perfect so we are all sinners so no saying that you do good and help the world, therefore, you are free of sin!), spend time talking with your family, playing outside with the kids on the porch or backyard, talk to your neighbors through the social distancing, by phone or the fence. This is the time for a Silent Night/Holy Night.
During these difficult days to come as we shelter in, “Keep the Faith” do not worry or stress for The Lord will provide. Allow His perfect peace to dwell in your hearts.
Remember Psalm 127:1-2
Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. 2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to[a] those he loves.
In this verse what the author was trying to say is that God blesses us while we sleep probably just like He gave Solomon the desires of his heart while he slept. King Solomon could have asked God for riches and power but instead, He asked God for wisdom on how to lead his people and he, therefore, became one of the wisest men because he asked for wisdom instead of riches. So like Solomon let our daily prayer be, Lord please give me wisdom on how to be a good servant to You, how to lead my family during this pandemic, and do what is in Your will. The second prayer is, Lord please give me faith like Noah, because when things look grim and without hope, I want to have a faith that surpasses all doubt despite what I hear, read, and see. And lastly, as women our prayer should be, Lord during these difficult times when we think our beauty is affected because we cannot get our hair and nails done at the salon, or workout at the gym, etc, give us a heart like the Proverbs 31 woman. Help us to rest on the verse in Proverbs 31:30 ” Charm is deception and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Follow Galatians 6:9, ” Let us not become weary in doing good.”
I know that I may not have the popular vote today for blogs and some may choose to unfollow my posts, but that is okay, I am not here for the popular vote, I am here to just say what I felt in my heart. If this blog has blessed you let me and others know by sharing and commenting on it. I greatly appreciate the time you have taken to read this post.
As we approach International Women’s Day on March 8, 2020, let us not forget that this is just one day that we celebrate on the calendar for events and to raise awareness; however this is a year-long situation that warrants being addressed in order to improve it.
According to the United Nations statistics, globally women only make 77 cents for every dollar that a man makes. This results in income inequality between men and women. This problem is seen in all countries due to the fact that women’s work is not valued the same as that of a man even though they require the same skillset and education. The only way to bridge this inequality is through seeing men and women as people vs.gender and paying a person based on their talent and expertise in a field.
This blog today is not about bashing any gender or playing victims either, it is about standing up for each other as professional men and women against stereotypes and bias in all walks of life. For those of us that are mothers, we have a duty to show our daughters and sons how they can make a difference in the world. We as mothers and fathers can set that example in how we view gender equality in the work world, community, political offices, and society.
Gender equality is valuing the ideas and dreams of women and men equally. It does not mean that men and women have to be one and the same, but that the opportunities that are available to them be the same regardless of their gender.
So on International Women’s Day find ways to get involved and learn more about the movement and what that means. Spend time as an employer looking at the teams that work for you and see if the talents that your team has are equally paid based on their expertise or if they were being paid based on their gender. It is time to make a difference that impacts everyone towards the resolution of this imbalance that has our society struggling financially when there is no need for it.
As career women, it seems that we are always out in the public eye, so preparing to leave the house well put together is a must! However, as my favorite bible scripture says, ” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. ” Proverbs 31:30
Do you wonder after reading this verse if our focus should be on our spiritual foundation vs. our makeup foundation? How about priming and preparing our hearts to receive the love of God and give that same love to others? How about being completely open with God about our flaws instead of concealing them like we do when we wear concealer makeup.
As a pageant queen, I am asked to be at multiple events, tv , radio shows, and photoshoots that at times give me no downtime to be just Rosie Moore. Anyone that knows me as Rosie Moore knows that for me wearing my shorts and flip flops is my downtime attire! But in those moments I am representing a brand I am the glamourous dressed up Rosie Moore. I use that brand to help promote The Gift of Life. I understand the struggles to always look our best. Today I wanted to share with my readers about focusing on our inward appearance. An example of how we focus on our inward appearance is how we choose to act on our words and how we treat others. What are we doing to serve others?
Read Proverbs 31 ( I copied it here for you). I know many of you are saying that you cannot live to the expectation of this Proverbs 31 Queen who is perfect. But guess what we are all a work in progress whether we are married with kids, married without kids, or single.
Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character
10 [b]A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings, she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand, she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
According to 1 Peter 3:3-4 ” Your beauty should not come from outward adornments, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. “
What beauty in this verse! So what I gather about the Proverbs 31 woman is the following:
She is a faithful hard-working woman who gets up early; she is a career woman who is highly trained. She looks for different ways to bring income. She is respected by her husband and her children; she gives to the poor, she is planning for her future, she speaks wisdom, she fears the Lord, she is clothed with strength and dignity.
This is a woman that is not having a pity party or comparing her looks to others. She does the three things that the Lord commands, she serves the Lord, she loves others and her family, and she serves the poor.
So you are asking how can you become a Proverbs 31 woman who is of noble character?
-Spend more time meditating on the words in the scripture
-Connect with women who can lift each other up and encourage us ( with international women’s day coming up on 3/8/20, join Rosie Moore and a few other woman in the community for Annisa’s coffee with a queen here is the link https://www.facebook.com/events/892199741183311/ .
-Start to look at the way you speak and avoid negative words
-Use positive words before issuing a complaint or criticim.
Last year as I finished my pageant in West Virginia as Mrs. Southern States International, I said to my husband this poster-size picture that was given to me will be a gift for my dad because he always called me his little princess. I felt like Cinderella in this gown and I knew that he would be proud of the accomplishments that I had made.
We came home that week from the pageant in West Virginia ( Mrs. International) and visited with my dad. I said to him when I get back from our family beach vacation, I have a special gift for you. Marcus, my son and I went to the beach for a much-needed vacation and time off to rest after a busy 2 weeks of traveling for the pageant and work. We came back from the beach on 8/3/19. I had plans to go and see my dad that day, but our little one had a stomach bug and was not feeling well so I called my mom and said I will be by tomorrow. On 8/4/19, my mom called me frantically that 911 was at the house because Dad had stopped breathing. My heart sank. My mom said that all week long my dad kept asking when I was coming home. On 8/3/19 he was excited because he knew that I was coming home. My poor dad held out I guess as long as he could. He must have known that he was not feeling well and did not share it with anyone. He passed away on 8/4/19. After that, I lost my interest in pageantry and many other things. I still had to fulfill my title for Mrs. Southern States International but in my heart, I was hurting because my biggest cheerleader was gone.
As the weeks went by I started looking at pictures of my Dad from when he was growing up and from the army where he served. It occurred to me that I was going to honor my dad and represent his birthplace of Puerto Rico. I lived there for about two years as a baby. I wanted to connect with a large system that would allow me the ability to represent Puerto Rico and that was the Ms. World Pageant System. But I had to interview first in order to be accepted as a contestant due to the number of women that want to be a part of a large system. When I interviewed with the director Nancy, I was not sure what would happen, but I gave it my best shot. Yes! I was accepted to represent Puerto Rico!! I was so happy.
In doing my research, according to the March of Dimes, in Puerto Rico, the preterm birth rate is 11.9% a report card grade of F which is higher than the national average of 10% grade letter C. In one city called Caguas which is about 20 miles from San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, the premature birth rate is 15.8%. “Dr. Antonio Ortiz University Pediatric Hospital in San Juan is the only one in the country that offers level-four services to local patients and across the rest of the Caribbean islands. In addition, the hospital provides surgery and neurosurgery services, as well as intensive care for premature patients with a delicate clinical panel. “
As Ms. Puerto Rico World, my goal is to reach the Hispanic Community and provide support to parents of premature babies not only in Puerto Rico but right here in central Florida and any other location in need. In Florida, the premature birth rate amongst the Hispanic community is 9.1%. The overall premature birth rate in Florida is 10.3%. So when you ask me why I am passionate about supporting parents of premature babies and teaching preventative healthcare to avoid premature birth it is no surprise that the response is, look at the statistics and that will tell you the story.
If you are a business, parent of a premature baby, pregnant with a baby, thinking of getting pregnant, or a healthcare professional, take a moment to read about me Rosie Moore Ms. Puerto Rico World and let’s unite to educate and support families to avoid premature birth. If premature birth is unavoidable, let’s support these families through The Gift of Life Charity www.thegiftoflife27.org.
Do you ever wake and feel like your whole day is going to be great and then your entire morning falls apart? Sometimes we make plans for what we think our life should be like but then life throws a curveball. I travel locally for work in Gainesville, Brevard, Marion, Tampa, and Orlando region. I used to hate traveling and would never take jobs requiring travel, but about two years ago I took the plunge to work for myself. I am a nurse consultant and I manage clients who need medical attention after suffering injuries and clients who are homebound. I love what I do now as I can help clients get what they need.
So circling back to my perfectly laid out day that didn’t happen, I was not at peace with the world. All it takes is one rude comment, one complication, or really anything outside of our perfect plan to make our mood change. For me it was just that and as I drove in my car to see clients, I started to listen to my favorite Christian radio station z88.3 and the disc jockey shared the following verse “charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. ” Proverbs 31:30. This very verse is what is on my pageant business cards. Why I chose this verse is because as a pageant queen our exteriors can be all glammed up but our interior can be broken and we are just putting on a show to save face. So to me, this verse is a daily reminder that my job is to serve the Lord daily and not get hung up on how imperfect my day started. When I heard it on the radio today it spoke to my heart and reminded me that I need to pray.
As I drove to Melbourne today admiring the beauty of nature, I meditated on Proverbs 31:30 and prayed for forgiveness of ever doubting that God always steers us to His plan. Here is my view today as I wait on a client. I can feel the warm spring breeze gently rustling the leaves on the trees, the sun shining, and the absolute silence in this parking lot of a medical plaza. Not one person is seen walking here, no through traffic of cars; just silence. I think it was for sure a divine appointment for a reflection of my soul.
