bringing out God colours at work

Emmie Chisala reminds us that we have more influence than we realise

Have you had those moments when your alarm goes off, and you instantly feel anxious? Or, when you have looked at the rota, and your heart immediately sinks because you have seen who is on shift with you? Or, when you have run to the toilet to sob because another nurse has made you feel less than? Well, friend, you are not alone. Recently, there was an independent culture review published by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which looked at toxic culture in the healthcare workplace. It highlighted issues pertaining to bullying, racism, microaggression, and the ‘speak up’ culture, etc. Whilst this review was incredibly difficult and challenging to read, it convicted me to think about how we can respond to injustice, how we can make our colleagues feel loved, seen and listened to, and how we can start to mould a Christ-like culture at our places of work.

A Scripture comes to mind: Psalm 82:3-4. ‘Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked’. This verse is a clear call to action. God’s heart for justice is evident; he doesn’t suggest that we help the oppressed; he requires it! Now, I understand how difficult it can be to confront people at work, but it should not stop us from advocating for and supporting those with whom we work (Galatians 6:9-10). We learn these principles from Jesus, from how he stood up and supported the marginalised.

I am often reminded of the story of Esther in the Bible. Esther was a Jew, an unlikely candidate who rose from an orphan to a queen and a heroine of an entire nation. Knowing God’s orchestration behind the scenes in Esther’s story can build our courage to stand with those who are voiceless at work, reminding us of the truth that God is with us.

So, what are the proactive ways we can take as healthcare professionals to mould our work cultures? Well, we already know that we are the salt and light, which means we are beacons of hope, encouragement, and truth, bringing out God’s colours in the world. Jesus did not say, ’leave the light on at home, but turn it off at work’. In fact, his desire for us is simply to display love and kindness in our daily lives, remembering that every action towards others reflects our relationship with God. This can look like:

When you encourage and uplift a colleague who feels they don’t belong or not good enough because they are internationally trained, people see how gracious Jesus is.

When you support that newly qualified nurse still finding their feet and struggling with impostor syndrome, people see how patient and gentle Jesus is.

When you forgive that co-worker who has knowingly or unknowingly wronged you, people see how kind Jesus is.

No matter your place of work, my prayer is that the Lord will infuse you with confidence, knowing that he has positioned you in that specific role for a reason. Ask God to help you scan all the different problems your department is currently suffering from. And ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom on how you can reflect and live those God colours at work so they will radiate to many.

Emmie Chisala is a Continence/ Urology Clinical Sister in the West Midlands