The Why

Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Do you remember being asked this question? I walk away from people who ask questions like this. I am not interested in the science behind the question. Besides, I like chickens, and I like eggs. I believe that Noah chose a rooster and a hen to enter the ark, not eggs. Here are some of my favorite questions (just joking!): “Where are you from? Are your parents alive? Do you have siblings? Are you married? Do you have children? How long have you been working here? Where have you worked as a travel nurse? Where did you receive your training?” The list goes on, but you get the message. No one knows how many times I am asked these questions; these questions are overkill (“Fix it, Jesus!”). I strongly dislike social interrogation; some questions are best left unanswered.

I wouldn’t be allowed to do practice if I were to have a criminal record. It’s difficult enough trying to prevent identity theft and opt out of personal information being sold to third parties. Therefore, I’m not interested in offering any additional personal information to others. Do not let anyone bully or intimidate you into answering questions that you are not comfortable answering. When I object to answering personal questions, patients often say, “You’re asking personal questions about my health, so I’m asking personal questions about you.” In response, I explain to patients that I must ask questions to gather information for their history, assessment, and diagnoses.

I can recall working as an RN and updating a husband about the status of his wife. I spent more time than expected explaining diagnoses, the plan of care, medications, etc. I remember answering multiple questions until I finally said, “Sir, I do not have answers for all of your questions.” He replied, “But I have more questions.” My thoughts were, “You’re killing me, Smalls!” Many patients and family members drill nurses with questions after physicians have left the patient’s room. I like to remind patients and family members to jot down questions for physicians to address on rounds. People will always have questions, but I doubt that curiosity will kill them. When I first heard the song “Why?” by Jadakiss, I became excited that someone else in the world thinks as I do.

Throughout high school and Christian education classes, I learned the importance of journaling and writing down my thoughts. I journaled to learn the pattern in my thoughts, mood, and common denominators. The book “Why? Because You Are Anointed” by Bishop T.D. Jakes blessed my life. This book enlightened and comforted me during my time of uncertainty and spiritual isolation. I learned that I do not have to apologize for my existence. When the Mississippi Mass Choir recorded the song “God Made Me”, I was able to exhale again. The song echoed my evidence to live on purpose without permission from others. Have you read the book “The Purpose Driven Life” by Pastor Rick Warren? This book answered many inquiries and spoke peace over my life. My tragedies prepared me to share my triumphs with you.

You do not need to compare yourself to others. My high school classmates laughed at me when I told them that I was going to attend a community college and study nursing. I am happy that I did not let their jokes deter me from becoming a successful nurse practitioner, registered nurse, and nurse educator. My path allowed me to work, invest in my retirement, be active in ministry, travel, and study in a cost-effective way. I am thankful that I did not incur wasteful student loans to compete with the crowd and aimlessly attempt to please others. You do not owe others an explanation for the paths that you choose.

Whenever my mother expected me to return home at night, she would leave the porch light on for me. She wanted me to be able to safely find my way home. It amazes me how the Lord always keeps the light on for us. Whether from the sun, moon, stars, or lightbulb, His light will never leave us in the dark.

Let’s talk about it!

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