Monday, December 10, 2012

So there's this girl...


Who absolutely loves being a nurse...

And loves babies...

And women's ministry...

And listening to and loving others in time of need...

Who is a passionate American who wants this country to be pro-life again...

And she's okay with being a leader when needed.

So when this job opportunity came up that put all of these characteristics together into a unique and intriguing fit,

What could she do but take the job and become the Nurse Manager for a new crisis pregnancy center opening next year?

my precious godson and nephew

Okay, so actually the decision was anything but that simple! This journey has been incredibly difficult but grace-filled. In the spring, I signed up to volunteer a few hours a week for the local crisis pregnancy center as a nurse...feeling this quiet but persistent heart-tug to be doing more in the pro-life arena. I had to wait unti the fall for their volunteer training session. It was an intense and overwhelming four days that left me uncertain if this was even for me. But somehow I continued to feel led to follow through with it.

What a surprise when the director asked if I'd consider joining them instead as an employee and nurse manager of a new clinic they wanted to open!

Um, flattering but no way. My initial reaction. Ha!

Grace by grace, the Lord continued to gently invite me--just as resistance by resistance, the Enemy conitued to throw multiple roadblocks in my path (insurance, my current employer, my breakup with P., my own hesitations and fear).

The breakup with P. made what I thought was my final decision. There was no way I could take on this job without his support (ah, but I was forgetting that I know the One who is The Way...). There I was, a broken-hearted single woman with a diagnosis that may affect my own fertility someday. What was I thinking even considering this job to work with pregnant women every day?

But I'm telling you, friends, His grace is so amazing.

Somehow I just know He wants me here. And that's been enough. The way He has worked in my heart and gently guided me to this place. The words He's spoken to me through others, especially the pregnancy center's amazing regional director. The reassurance He's given me, the desire to step out in faith and trust with this opportunity. Even the stubbornness that grew within me at each roadblock. I am just as certain that the Evil One does not want me here as I am certain that the Lord does. And I know the Lord will be with me on the good days and the challenging ones.

So I put on my Ephesians 6 armor and I took the job.

Crazy grace.

10 comments:

  1. Love you Laura, and will be praying for you as you start this new job! I bet the Lord has some seriously amazing things in store. :)

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  2. Laura, that's the coolest and most exciting news ever! CONGRATULATIONS! You are going to be amazing at it, and I'll be praying for you (as I'm sure so many others will be as well!).

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  3. Congratulations!!! :)

    This is so inspiring on many levels... Catholic woman, single, nurse, on fire for the Lord. Thank you for sharing from one nurse trying to figure out how to use her skills for the Lord better to another. :) I can't wait to hear about your journey!!

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  4. Congratulations! I just started reading your blog and I'm so excited for you.

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  5. Wow! Congratulations! Sounds like a wonderful challenge and a job where you can make an impact on so many lives ...

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  6. Congratulations Laura!!! That is a fantastic opportunity. God clearly has big plans for your work there. I've recently took up a position in a pro-life organisation too and it is daunting, but I'm really trying to trust in the Lord that He has good reason for it all. It's all we can do! Hope it all goes well, and I can't wait to hear about all your adventures with your new position!

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  7. Congratulations on the job!:) That sounds like an incredible opportunity!

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  8. Congratulations!!! The Lord works in mysterious ways and I know that he will use you to do some Amazing things! God Bless you!

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  9. Ahh Laura that is amazing news!! So incredibly happy for you! God is going to do great things through you in this job and I can't wait to hear about them! He is so good. :)

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  10. WOW! All this comment love. :D Seriously, though, thank you so much, girls! You are all so kind--I really appreciate your support, encouragement, and prayers! *hugs*

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