Welcome to The Seeds Storyteller Series: Difference-Making During the Corona Crisis in which I’ll be talking with Godee Musangu, who believes with all her heart, that she was born for a time as this. Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Godee’s fierce determination has seen her through many ups and downs in the last twelve years of getting settled and married in the USA, raising her family, and last year, finally seeing her decades-long dream of becoming a nurse come true. Of course, she had no idea that only months after receiving her long-sought after nursing degree, the Coronavirus pandemic would challenge her capacity and tenacity to the core. But, as you will soon see, these difficult days have only strengthened the courage and compassion of this extraordinary sister.

In case you missed the livestream, check out the replay right here or head to your favorite social media platform: YouTube | IGTV | Facebook. While you’re there, subscribe to join the fun with us at Seeds of Exchange. Keep the convo goin’ in the comments below.

 

 

WHAT you can look forward to in this conversation:

– ARMCHAIR TRAVEL to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where Godee was born – and learn about how her community has been impacted by the Coronavirus.

– enCOURAGEMENT to never give up … on your dreams and in life. Godee is tenacious about fueling herself and others to never (EVER!) give up on their dreams – no matter what!

Follow your dreams even when things get tough and to always believe that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. -Godee

– HOPE. You can’t NOT experience hope in a conversation with Godee!

As long as the sun rises, there is hope. -Godee

– HOW TO FIND PEACE AMIDST STORMY DAYS – Godee’s top 3 practices to cultivate peace:

When I am worried and stressed out, I do three things:

1 – PRAY and recite God’s promises because that helps my spirit to stay stronger.

2 – SING. Some of my favorites to sing along with: Kari Jobe and Hillsong United.

3 – LISTEN to inspirational teaching (my favorite right now is Dr. Myles Monroe). – Godee

 

NUDGES for inspired ACTion:

1 – SLOW DOWN during these days of lockdown and reconnect with you inner self.

2 – BE THANKFUL for the little things … even for breathing.

We now know that even our breath is not guaranteed. -Godee

3 – CONNECT anew with your family and loved ones.

Treasure each and every moment. Stay positive. -Godee

4 – COMMIT TO YOUR OWN PLACES OF PAUSE (PoPs). Choose 1 thing to weave into your life from our storyteller’s practice that will create plentyFULL peace within you.

5 – CONNECT WITH, follow, and friend our team

 

MORE of Godee’s perspective and story … enJOY!

Here is the quote she read that was shared with the health care workers at her hospital recently.

AN INVITATION TO BRAVE SPACE, by Micky ScottBey Jones

Together we will create brave space.
Because there is no such thing as “safe space” –
We exist in the real world.
We all carry scars and we have all caused wounds.
In this space
We seek to turn down the volume of the outside world,
We amplify voices that fight to be heard elsewhere,
We call each other to more truth and love.
We have the right to start somewhere and continue to grow.
We have the responsibility to examine what we think we know.
We will not be perfect.
This space will not be perfect.
It will not always be what we wish it to be.
But
It will be our brave space together,
And
We will work on it side by side.

Tell us a bit more about yourself, sister.

My name is Godee. I am from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I have been living in Colorado for 12 years now. My husband and I have two girls 11 and 7 years old. I am a girl from the Congo who didn’t believe that girls and boys should be treated differently based on their gender. I believed that an opportunity for a higher education should be given to both girls and boys. That was the reason why I wanted to get a higher education in USA.

I am a frontline nurse and I believe that I was born for such a time as this. I was born to bring in comfort, to bring peace and to make a difference in my patients’ lives. Because when the world sees them as a Covid-19 diagnosis I see them as my patients and I see them as my opportunity to make a difference and to inspire others. While some nurses are resigning or rethinking their career choice, I believe this time is a defining moment, a time that can either build you or break you as a frontline worker. I choose for it to build me and I choose to get to the other side stronger than before and more confident. I know I can’t do it by myself, but I believe in divine power to get me through it.

What inspires you today?

What inspires me is to see my patients recovering from the disease. It really gives me hope and gives me another reason to keep going and a reason to celebrate the win.

When I see a patient coming to the hospital in critical condition and become more critical in condition with less chance of survival, it is great to see that same patient make it to the other side: Healed, well, walking and talking. It is so great to celebrate the win and be part of the healing process. That, my friend, inspires me and gives me strength to keep going.

Given the current impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, how is your life (family, business, organization) being impacted? 

During this pandemic, one thing that I have enjoyed more than anything is family time – reconnecting with my children and getting to know them at another level especially now that we are home schooling. I get to know their strengths and weaknesses and I get to see what I can do as a mother to help nurture them. I have enjoyed spending more time with my husband and my parents who are visiting from the Congo. I feel blessed to have them.

One thing that is challenging and most parents can relate too during this pandemic is school closure and having to juggle work, home schooling, and everyday responsibilities. It is hard for me, especially on the days I have to work a 12-hour shift and return home to teach and review my daughters’ schoolwork.

Still, at the end of the day, I am thankful for this time.

Is spirituality an essential part of your life, your work? If so, share a bit about HOW your personal faith influences and/or empowers your everyday life.

Yes spirituality is an essential part of my life. When the crisis started, it was very hard for me personally. I had a hard time sleeping and I questioned everything about my profession. What gave me hope was praying. I remember hearing God tell me not to worry. God reminded me of a story from the Bible of protection for families. I don’t have to fear anything because He is my Protector!

How do you quiet the noise, the worries, the stress of everyday life? How do you like to encourage others to do the same?

We all have different things we believe in … and I am not ashamed to say that I believe in God. I love Psalm 91, a Scripture-poem from the Bible. (Here is an excerpt…)

 “If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God,
“I’ll get you out of any trouble.
I’ll give you the best of care
if you’ll only get to know and trust me.
Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times.”

These verses give me hope and reassurance every day and each morning I wake up to go to work. I know I don’t have to fear anything because my God is my protection. I also know I have to do my part by doing what the CDC has asked all of us to do but overall I trust in God’s protection and promises.

What are 3 words that give you hope amidst these disrupted days of work, home, and community?

Knowing God’s promises.

What is 1 act – big or small – you’d like to encourage folks to do?

Pray, pray, pray – and reconnect with God.

 

ABOUT the Seeds Storyteller Series:

Difference-Making During the Corona Crisis | Stories of community, compassion, and creativity in the midst of everyday life, today. We share these stories about everyday difference-makers with you in the midst of the Corona pandemic so you can be informed, inspired, and ignited to care for yourself and others in the midst of these disrupted and challenging days. Get ready to find a bit more of your story as you listen to the stories of ARTivists (artist-activists), students, parents, elders, entrepreneurs, and activists!

 

xo,  -Sarah Davison-Tracy ❤️