Thought for the week: Deserved George Cross award to the Health and Social Care Service in Northern Ireland
Tomorrow afternoon (Sunday) a special service will be held at St Anne's cathedral, Belfast to recognise the awarding of the George Cross to our Health and Social Care Service in Northern Ireland by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth during July 2021.
The prestigious medal will be on display at St Anne’s. This honour is rarely granted to an organisation, rather than an individual but just as the Victoria Cross is the greatest award to acknowledge bravery and sacrifice on the battlefield so the George Cross is the highest achievement for heroism and extraordinary devotion in civilian life.
Huge congratulations are therefore due to every past and present member of the National Health Service and to all who served so selflessly in the social care sector, particularly during the difficult Covid years.
In her citation, the late Queen said: - "It is with great pleasure, on behalf of a grateful nation, that I award the George Cross to the National Health Services of the United Kingdom. This award recognises all NHS staff, past and present, across all disciplines and all four nations.
"Over more than seven decades, and especially in recent times, you have supported the people of our country with courage, compassion and dedication, demonstrating the highest standards of public service. You have our enduring thanks and heartfelt appreciation.”
Interestingly, the shape of this special medal is not in the form of a triangle, octagon or even a gold star but a cross. Even as the Lord Jesus laid down His life willingly and sacrificially for us, vulnerable, needy sinners, on a cross, so those made in His image are called to follow His way, not to be served but to serve. The care of the sick, vulnerable and dying is not merely a ‘job’ but a vocation – a ‘holy calling’.
Jesus said: "My command is this. Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this; that they lay down their life for their friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” (John 15:12-14).
As our Health and Social Care Service in Northern Ireland recall and acknowledge the events of Covid with all its painful memories and specific challenges, renewed and encouraged by the selfless, sacrificial cross of Christ, may they and we embrace the high calling of extraordinary devotion, with fresh courage in His strength and for His glory.