by Fr. Seraphim Holland –
Proof that I live in Texas and not Massachusetts:
1. My daughter’s nursing graduation ceremonies began and ended with prayer.
2. Most autobiographies (probably 60 out of 70) thanked God.
3. They recited the Florence Nightingale Pledge at the end.
“I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly, to pass my life in purity and to practice my profession faithfully. I will abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, and will not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug. I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession, and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping and all family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling. With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician in his work, and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care.”
My heart was filled with joy and grief at the same time.
Joy, because there are still those who know right from wrong and love God.
Grief, because many nurses and doctors, dismember live children and lie to women about their babies, and often give them shoddy, indifferent, dangerous and even cruel medical care. they could not say this pledge without lying, something their chosen use of their professional skills makes them experts at doing.
Grief, because in more and more places in the US, mentioning God so freely in a public ceremony would be unthinkable, and considered to be a great heresy.
CHRISTIAN! Do not give in to the social pressure! Follow the law of God in all that you do and say, no matter if it costs you income, or prestige, or causes insults such as “bigot”, and “phobic”, etc, to be thrown your way.
It is unfortunate that so many Americans today view God and prayer as being archaic. They appear to have replaced God and prayer with new “objects of worship;” namely, money, material possessions, prestige, and a fun-filled lifestyle.
This lack of spirituality — coupled with these new priorities — is the reason America has been on the decline in recent years, and will continue to do so, unless it returns to a genuine love of God.
Indeed, the next decade or two will be critical in determining whether America will be a great nation — or weather it continues to decline and falls as ancient Rome did.