Journal of Sacred Work

Caregivers have superpowers! Radical Loving Care illuminates the divine truth that caregiving is not just a job. It is Sacred Work.

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Invitation
  The first time I remember hearing the word was in connection with a birthday party. "You’ve been invited to a party, Chip," my mother told me, using my nickname. What I quickly understood about this is that I was being included in something special. And there was something I was supposed to do in return. I needed to bring a gift.
   Each of you, as caregivers, has been invited into the life of someone in need. The caregiver-patient relationship can be especially intimate. You may be present on the last day of a patient’s life. You may be there at the first. In between, you may be nearby at times of exquisite pain.
   In return for this invitation, you are called to bring a gift. What are some of your recollections of the times you have brought gifts in response to the invitation that caregiving offers? You are invited to share your comments.

-Erie Chapman

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4 responses to “Day 168 – Invitation”

  1. MELISSA*SCOTT Avatar

    I am invited often to listen and care for my friends and the hardships they go through. This is a great gift in it’s self, to be able to hear the intimate pain of their hearts. The gift that I always try to bring is judgement free love along with an empathetic ear.

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  2. Karen York Avatar
    Karen York

    What a happy way to start today, being invited to participate. It is a magical word and I have similar memories of the first invitations I received as a child. In the caregiver’s role, we don’t bring presents, but the greatest gift of all, our presence. I am learning that I don’t have to have the right words to say, or to make the perfect gesture. It is for me to show up and to give the gift of a loving spirit – and all that encompasses.
    Also, in my training or facilitating roles, I am intentional about using the word “invite” as I ask the group to enter a journey with me – wherever it ends up. This helps break a barrier between “teacher/student” to something more participative.

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  3. Yvonne Ginez-Gonzales Avatar
    Yvonne Ginez-Gonzales

    I feel the gifts I am able to give as a caregiver to my patients are the gifts of knowledge and of experience in end-of-life care. I often I hear from families and or friends that they just want their loved one to be comfortable. I look at that moment as an invitation and privilege to participate in a patient’s life when they are most vulnerable, to try my best to give them the best care that they deserve. I thank God for giving me these gifts.

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  4. Edwin Loftin Avatar
    Edwin Loftin

    Invite – what a special way to open the healing moment. We are not here to provide/give healthcare we are here to participate in healing experiences…this in turn is the invitation.
    Love is the greatest invitation of all. When we give love, when we accept love we as healing beings create an opportunity.
    The invitation is to ensure a tidal wave of healing for every one of God’s creatures. And we accept that invitation.

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