Did you guess?

It is safe to say that this remarkable woman changed the world.

Given the current state of our globe in relation to the pandemic, there has understandably been a major focus on health recently, and a renewed gratitude for the heroes who work in the frontlines of community care. Thank God for our nursing staff!

But the current standard that we have come to assume as ‘normal’ in the health system wasn’t always that way. 

When Florence Nightingale first visited the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Istanbul) to provide nursing support to the soldiers in the Crimean War, she discovered a harrowing situation. Wounded men were primarily dying due to mass infection, poor hygiene and lack of food. 

With her advocacy to fix the system and her implementation of practices such as handwashing, it has been reported that the death rate was reduced from 42% to 2%! She became known as the ‘lady with the lamp’, as she would nightly walk through the wards, checking on patients.

Given this rich history, it is not surprising that the premier award for outstanding nurses is named the ‘Florence Nightingale medal’.  She transformed the state of healthcare from a place where people came to die; to a place where they were actively cared for, where nursing staff were properly trained and where there was a foundational understanding of germs and sanitary practices. 

Yet many may not realise that Florence left a life of considerable luxury in response to what she referred to as ‘a call from God’  to devote her life to the service of others. Even in her later years, despite being bedridden, Florence continued to advocate for reform and write books. Her achievements are remarkable for any period of history, but particularly so given the societal attitudes towards women at the time. 

There is a call to adventure within Florence’s story. A challenge to all of us to be strong and resolute in times of crisis. For when we take the step and move into that place of calling, when we look outside of ourselves and focus on others; we inevitably find that ‘losing’ our lives in pursuit of the One who gave life, delivers so much joy in the giving. 

Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” 

Proverbs 11:25