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Life as a forensic nurse, primarily caring for rape survivors, is a career “steeped in great trauma and sadness,” said Julie Valentine Tuesday during her devotional address at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.
“For many of my patients, I accompany them through the worst part of their life. Still, some of my patients share lives of trauma and abuse. There seems to be an infinite amount of despair, brutality and pain in my work. “
But also Valentine is “surrounded by enormous light and beauty”.
She shared a special message for survivors of all abuse:
“I pray that you will understand that healing is a long process that is different for everyone. Be kind and patient with yourself. I pray that you will believe in your nobility as a child of God. I pray that you know that you are loved by your Heavenly Father who will recognize your limitless worth and beauty. I pray that you will feel surrounded by the healing and hope that our Savior Jesus Christ and His Atonement radiate. I pray that you will get strength from others who love you. I pray that you will grow in your ability to feel strong and empowered, to heal and to blossom. “
Valentine said she often shared a card with her patients with a photo of crocus flowers and the word “blossom” on it.
The image she shared of this resilient flower directly linked her devotion this week to another event 2,000 miles northeast – after 20 tragic, history-changing months with 5 million dead, the first dedication of a Latter-day Saint temple since the pandemic began .
An image of a crocus flower shared during Julie Valentine’s devotional address at BYU on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 in Provo, Utah
Crocus flowers are the first to appear at the end of winter, signaling the imminent renewal of spring. In Canada, purple flowers often soar through the snow, where the new Winnipeg Manitoba Temple is adorned with a stone prairie crocus at the base of the temple tower.
“It comes out and blooms in snow and the coldest weather,” Winnipeg native Susan Paunins told Church News. “And even though it’s surrounded by snow, it knows that the warmth of the sun keeps it alive.”
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A prairie crocus adorns the red border of the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple in Winnipeg, Canada, Saturday October 30, 2021. Both the crocus and red brick are unique features of this temple. Daniel Crump for Deseret News
Valentine’s message to survivors is, “As the crocus flowers bloom after a long, cold, and dark winter, may you come out of your pain and suffering to bloom and share your beauty with the world.”
Valentine told BYU students that they have a noble responsibility to use their strength and influence for good. Your “for good” works to reduce sexual and intimate partner violence.
“I am often asked how I can do this difficult job of caring for people affected by violence. My answer is, ‘How can I not?’ I can do this work because I believe I have a noble responsibility to use my strength and influence for good. “
She said it is good for university students to invest in their own education and experience.
“Use your strength to learn and grow. Investing in yourself reflects self-love and self-worth. Remember that the second commandment to love your neighbor as yourself is that we should love ourselves. Be good to yourself by investing in your education, talents, skills and relationships, ”she said.
All humans share a responsibility to help survivors and others flourish, Valentine said:
“May we use our influence and strength to uplift, sustain, and heal one another. Small, seemingly insignificant actions like “I’m here for you” or “You are important to me” or just sitting in convivial silence make a difference. May we reflect God’s love for those who have forgotten what they are capable of and who they are. “
To see the Valentine’s Day devotion, visit BYUtv.
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Backstage
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Julie Valentine shares the card she regularly gives rape victims in her work as a forensic nurse. Valentine, professor and assistant dean of undergraduate and research studies at BYU’s College of Nursing, spoke about her work on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, during a devotional address on campus in Provo, Utah, on BYUtv
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