Article March 10, 1997 Issue

Each one, a nurse

Mary Bothwell

"Who , me? A nurse? No way!" Several years ago, that would have been my response if I had been asked about engaging in the ministry of Christian Science nursing. Then I was asked to volunteer (but not as a nurse) in a Christian Science nursing facility. These independent institutions, which can be found in the United States and other countries, are designed to provide a supportive environment as well as practical care for people who are relying on Christian Science for healing. Through this volunteer work I learned that we each can express the Godlike qualities associated with nursing, no matter where we are. What's more, when we do this, our daily activities are blessed. This benefit applies to everybody, male or female.

Christ Jesus' parable of the good Samaritan (see Luke 10:30–37) is often used as a lesson in how a nurse ministers to the sick. This parable illustrates how to obey the commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself.

Briefly, a traveler was attacked and robbed on the lonely mountain road between Jerusalem and Jericho. Two travelers who came after the attack, a priest and a Levite, passed by and left him lying there, even though he was injured. Then a Samaritan came along, noticed the man's needs, dressed his wounds with oil and wine, and took him to an inn. He assured the innkeeper that he'd pay any of the costs in caring for the man until he was well. This Samaritan was certainly thinking of the traveler's needs before his own and treating him as he himself would want to be treated.

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