Healing Hearts & Minds: Retired Nurse Ouma Lydia on Faith, Mental Health & Serving God's People
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Join JustGospel for a powerful conversation with Ouma Lydia, a retired nurse whose decades-long career took her from Baragwanath Hospital to clinics across South Africa. In this deeply moving interview, Ouma Lydia shares how faith became her anchor through the most challenging moments of frontline healthcare work.
Starting her nursing journey at just 17 years old, Ouma Lydia witnessed trauma that could have broken her spirit - but instead found strength through prayer, supportive colleagues, and an unwavering belief that nurses are "chosen people by God himself." From her first encounter with death in the wards to becoming a seasoned midwife and clinician, her story reveals the mental and emotional toll of healthcare work and the divine grace that sustained her.
Key Discussion Points:
How witnessing her aunt's care by "angel-like" nurses inspired her career choice
Traumatic early experiences and the support systems that kept her going
The spiritual calling of nursing as referenced in John 21:17 - "feed my sheep"
Changes in nursing culture and the importance of entering the profession with the right heart
Mental health challenges facing healthcare workers and patients alike
The healing power of prayer and presence in medical settings
Why she's starting a primary healthcare clinic in retirement
Powerful Insights:
Ouma Lydia emphasizes that many patients seek medical help for physical symptoms when they're actually suffering emotionally, and how genuine care and conversation can provide healing beyond medication.
"Nursing teaches you the importance of helping others, of just being around other people, of understanding people. Not everyone who comes to a hospital is physically ill - some people just need to talk to be healed." - Ouma Lydia
This conversation is essential listening during Mental Health Awareness Month, offering hope and perspective on how faith can sustain those called to serve others in their darkest moments.
Subscribe to JustGospel Radio and catch us live at www.justgospelradio.co.za
#JustGospel #MentalHealthAwareness #Nursing #FaithAtWork #HealthcareWorkers #RetiredNurse #BaragwanathHospital
Starting her nursing journey at just 17 years old, Ouma Lydia witnessed trauma that could have broken her spirit - but instead found strength through prayer, supportive colleagues, and an unwavering belief that nurses are "chosen people by God himself." From her first encounter with death in the wards to becoming a seasoned midwife and clinician, her story reveals the mental and emotional toll of healthcare work and the divine grace that sustained her.
Key Discussion Points:
How witnessing her aunt's care by "angel-like" nurses inspired her career choice
Traumatic early experiences and the support systems that kept her going
The spiritual calling of nursing as referenced in John 21:17 - "feed my sheep"
Changes in nursing culture and the importance of entering the profession with the right heart
Mental health challenges facing healthcare workers and patients alike
The healing power of prayer and presence in medical settings
Why she's starting a primary healthcare clinic in retirement
Powerful Insights:
Ouma Lydia emphasizes that many patients seek medical help for physical symptoms when they're actually suffering emotionally, and how genuine care and conversation can provide healing beyond medication.
"Nursing teaches you the importance of helping others, of just being around other people, of understanding people. Not everyone who comes to a hospital is physically ill - some people just need to talk to be healed." - Ouma Lydia
This conversation is essential listening during Mental Health Awareness Month, offering hope and perspective on how faith can sustain those called to serve others in their darkest moments.
Subscribe to JustGospel Radio and catch us live at www.justgospelradio.co.za
#JustGospel #MentalHealthAwareness #Nursing #FaithAtWork #HealthcareWorkers #RetiredNurse #BaragwanathHospital
