40 Faces, 40 Places: A Devotional JourneySample

Michelle from Glasgow

Sometimes whole-life discipleship looks like working for justice with love and compassion.

I work for NHS Lanarkshire, in a job in which I feel God has specifically placed me. My main role is to lead staff to report, investigate, and learn from patient harm incidents (also known as adverse events). Many of the working principles in my role reflect biblical principles such as being kind, honest, non-judgmental, and understanding of other people’s perspectives.

I am passionate about my work, and I’ve found it’s helped transform attitudes towards adverse events within my workplace. Disciplinary processes are an upsetting time for patients, families, and staff, but I can help change that negative culture by being approachable and supportive. Ultimately, I would want others to notice something different about how I conduct myself and interact with others in these situations. I want to be a shining light where God has placed me, and I found a discipleship course helpful.

I feel the pressure to balance being sympathetic towards those involved in adverse events and complying with the investigation process and its deadlines. There’s a pressure to fulfill others’ expectations of being a Christian, and I worry about how I conduct myself. I am very open about my faith at work, which has resulted in colleagues approaching me if they want someone to talk to or pray for them.

Reflection

There’s much to think and pray through and admire in Michelle’s story. She seeks to do difficult work well. She works hard to be approachable throughout, learn vital lessons, and respond fairly to all involved – while remaining passionate.

She bases all of her work on principles she’s learned in the Bible. When she investigates an adverse event non-judgementally, and while being approachable and supportive, she is following principles set out in the Old Testament and lived out in Jesus.

What opportunities do you have to work for justice in your life similarly?

Prayer

Lord, what are the lessons for me from Michelle’s story today? Show me how I can work for justice on my frontline while showing Your love to those involved. Please help me be someone's friend and colleague who might turn to for a listening ear and prayer.