Florence Nightingale was born this day in 1820.

Florence Nightingale was the daughter of a well-to-do family in England. Her family wanted Florence to live the life of a society girl—giving big parties, going to tea, and other activities fitting a wealthy lifestyle. But early on, Florence was determined to do something worthwhile with her life—despite her parents’ objections.

At age 16, she was certain that God was calling her to serve others. So she secretly began to collect books about nursing. She visited hospitals in London and in the surrounding area to learn more. Her parents tried to discourage Florence, but she was determined. Finally, they agreed to send Florence to a hospital in Germany to study nursing. That way, they thought, they could avoid having their daughter “embarrass” the family.

After graduation, Florence returned to London to work at a hospital. But it was during the Crimean War that Florence made her mark. She went to the battlefield with 38 other nurses and began setting up a hospital for the wounded soldiers. Each night she would walk the hallways of the hospital with a lamp, and so she became known as “the lady with a lamp.”

Florence Nightingale’s life was a light for others. She helped save thousands of lives by establishing cleanliness standards for health workers and training other nurses. She established the model for military hospitals and for modern nursing. Despite the many obstacles she encountered Florence devoted her entire life to serving and helping others.

That’s exactly what Jesus wants us to do as well. We are called to help each other and share each other’s problems. When we see someone who needs help, our first thought should be, “What can I do?” When a friend calls and says, “I’ve got a problem,” we are called to listen and offer encouragement. And when we are faithful in obeying this command, we shine Jesus’ light and love with all we meet.

Share each other’s troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).

To Do

Do you know someone who needs help? Think of what you can do to reach out to that person with Jesus’ love.

Also this day . . .

Today is National Limerick Day. Recite a favorite limerick to your friend!

Today also is International Migratory Bird Day.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.