Nurses, Killers And The Surprising Places Grace Can Be Found
Dec 3, 2023
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Journalist and best-selling author Julia Baird opens up about grace, kindness, and love. She shares heartwarming stories of acts of grace during tragedy, discusses the role of grace in healthcare, explores forgiveness in faith communities, and dives into the connection between grace, justice, and liberation. The podcast also features a powerful story of seeking peace amidst hostage situations.
Grace in the medical profession is exemplified by Brazilian nurses filling rubber gloves with warm water to provide comfort and company to critically ill patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grace encompasses mercy, forgiveness, and empathy, and is about caring for others regardless of whether they deserve it, holding onto the belief that people can change and grow.
Deep dives
Grace in the Act of Hand-Holding
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Brazilian nurses in Sao Paulo found a simple yet powerful way to provide comfort to critically ill patients who were unable to have loved ones by their side. They filled rubber gloves with warm water, tied them together, and slid them onto the hands of patients. This act of love and support, called the 'hands of love,' immediately improved the vitals of patients, offering a sense of company and relief during the desperate times. This gesture exemplifies the beauty of grace in the medical profession, as healthcare workers selflessly meet the needs of those in despair without judgment or personal considerations.
Grace Defined: Mercy, Not Merit
In her book about grace, Julia Baird explores the true meaning of grace and dispels common misconceptions. Grace is not a sentimental, passive virtue, but rather an act that breaks cycles of revenge and is fundamentally undeserved. It is about caring for and looking after others, regardless of whether they deserve it. Grace encompasses mercy, forgiveness, and empathy, which are essential in creating a better world. It involves recognizing the shared humanity in others and holding onto the belief that people can change and grow.
Glimmers of Grace in Tragedy
Even in the midst of personal grief and tragedy, grace can be found. Julia Baird shares the story of her past partner's sudden death in a plane crash and the profound impact it had on her. Despite the devastating loss, she chooses to focus on the beautiful moments they shared and the urgency of living. Through the concept of the 'golden thread,' she embraces the idea that relationships, even if not everlasting, can still bring immense joy, love, and growth. Remembering the goodness and gratitude from past relationships can provide solace amidst grief.
The Power of Grace in Adversity
Nurses, often overlooked in the heroism of doctors, embody grace through their acts of compassion and care. Julia Baird highlights the profound impact nurses have on patients, sharing stories of their kindness and dedication in hospitals. From the smallest acts of warmth and dignity preservation to providing comfort in times of emotional distress, nurses bring grace into medical settings. Their selflessness and empathy remind us of the importance of moral beauty and the power of tenderness in healing and human connection.
Journalist and best-selling author, Julia Baird opens up about grace and how you can’t see it until it happens. How people look after people, love those who may seem unlovable and how being kinder can change everything.
Mia and Julia speak about nurses, killers and the surprising places grace can be found.
Julia tackles complex topics with clarity, passion and depth and she’s done just that with grace at even the darkest of times of her own life.
She has released a new book called Bright Shiningand it’s all about recognising grace.
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.