By Karen O’Connor:
Clara Barton Image from Wikipedia
Clara Barton, the ‘angel of the battlefield,’ as many referred to the founder of the Red Cross, was a woman ahead of her time.
When Clara saw a need, she did what she could to meet it as soon possible. For example, even her home outside Washington, DC, was run primarily as a warehouse, with shelves, closets, and other storage spaces to hold supplies for the Red Cross.
She was always prepared for the calls for help that followed disasters. This selfless life-style and point of view makes it easy to find God in the work of Clara Barton and the Red Cross.
Her work started during the Civil War. Clara asked permission of the War Department to go directly to the battlefield, to bring much needed medical supplies to the wounded soldiers. No unmarried woman had ever done such a thing.
It was out of the question—at first. But Clara Barton did not take no for an answer. She pursued her goal until she received a yes from Colonel Daniel Rucker. Equipped with six wagons loaded with food, medicine, blankets, water, and other supplies, Clara Barton was bound to serve her country. And that’s what she did.
Then in 1877, after observing the Red Cross in Geneva, Switzerland, she wrote to Louis Appia, head of the Red Cross in that city, asking for permission to start the American Red Cross. In accord with her own deep desire to help others in need and Christ’s command to take care of our brothers and sisters, Clara Barton sacrificed personal comfort to bring healing and comfort to others.
Although she did not identify herself as a person who trusted Christ as Savior, she does stand as a role model for volunteerism. How many of us would go to the battlefields as she did, risking our own lives to comfort and heal others?
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12 the Bible).
Enjoy this informative and inspiring YouTube video on Clara Barton and the Red Cross.
©Karen O’Connor. Karen is an author, writing mentor, and frequent contributor to the Finding God Daily blog. Visit Karen on the web at www.karenoconnor.com, on Facebook or follow on Twitter: @karenoconnor
Karen this is such an inspirational article. Clara Barton really exemplifies how Christ’s love is poured out upon others. The video and your article make Clara’s passion for helping wounded soldiers come alive. Thank you for all that you pour into your writing.
The video was so enlightening too.