The power of prayer led to a 40 year career at Sacred Heart Bay

Bobbie Gray’s 40-year journey as a physical therapy assistant at Ascension Sacred Heart Bay in Panama City, Florida is a testament to the power of prayer and a life lived in ministry.

Any time she has been at a crossroads, God has led her to the right path. When embarking on a new career after serving in the military in her 20s, she prayed: “I said, ‘Lord, you know the direction I should go in life. Lead the way.’” 

Not long after, she found her calling when she accompanied her niece to a physical therapy appointment. She felt a stirring in her spirit as she talked to the physical therapist. 

“I knew it was the movement of the Lord to head down this path,” she said.

Three years later, she was finishing her physical therapy assistant degree at Central Piedmont Community College in North Carolina when the instructor posted a list of available positions on the wall. One location called her attention: Panama City. 

“I had never heard of Panama City, Florida, but I thought it sounded like a place I’d like to visit,” she said. “I was about 24 when I moved here. I didn’t know anybody, but I knew the Lord was directing my steps the whole way.”

Today 64-year-old Bobbie has served 40 years at Sacred Heart Bay, and has worked in outpatient, inpatient and home healthcare settings. She feels blessed to have the opportunity to integrate her faith and spirituality into her daily work. She is dedicated to meeting the needs of her patients, guided by the spiritual path that God presents.

Bobbie starts every morning with a prayer for her patients. She may not know who she will be caring for, but she trusts that God will create an atmosphere for healing.

“I ask that He use me in any manner that He chooses to bring healing to the whole person, whether it’s physically, spiritually or emotionally,” she said. “I truly know that I’m serving a ministry of hope and healing.”

Bobbie said she doesn’t have plans to retire. “I love what I do. I’m motivated to help others and serve God’s plan for however long I can.”

To learn more about Ascension’s Physical Therapy program or to find a location near you by visiting Ascension.org.