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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Former President & CEO of multiple hospital systems and founding president & CEO of 20-hospital OhioHealth, best selling author, film artist, ordained minister, composer, published poet, syndicated T.V. host, trial attorney, federal prosecutor and Municipal Court Judge. Erie is internationally known as the founder of the Radical Loving Care(R)movement. He also heads Erie Chapman Foundation, Dane Dakota Productions, LLC, and Chapman Health International, Inc.

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Day 198 – How Friendship Heals

July 16, 2008

As I have reflected on "Wounds" and "Wounding" these past few days, I found myself looking for a poem about the way art can heal. Instead, I came across this 19th century poem by George Eliot (nee: Mary Ann Evans – 1819-1880) about friendship. The author of classics like MiddleMarch, Eliot had a sweet understanding of the power of friendship and, important for us, she had the gift for how to express it! Eliot’s writing must have been very healing for her. She lived in a time and place when some women needed to hide behind male pen names. Beyond her art, it must have been friends that brought her the healing she sought.

Friendship is the
comfort, the inexpressible comfort,
Of feeling safe
with a person,

Neither having to
weigh thoughts, nor measure words,
But pouring all
right out just as they are
Chaff and grain
together
Certain that a
faithful friendly hand
Will take and sift
them
Keep what is worth
keeping
And with a breath
of comfort, blow the rest away.

I hope this poem brings you comfort and healing today.

-Erie Chapman

Posted in Meditations

5 responses to “Day 198 – How Friendship Heals”

Yvonne Ginez-Gonzales

July 16, 2008

I was immediately captured by the first two lines of the poem you posted, Erie. I too believe a good friend brings me inexpressible comfort. A good friend also listens, is non-judgmental, supporter, motivator, honest, and loves you unconditionally. My best friend has not only been present for me during the good and celebratory times, but she has also been there as a caregiver to help and comfort me when I have been physically sick and/or through emotional and stressful down times. They are precious human beings. I do cherish our friendship. I am also thankful for the comfort and healing that I am also able to share with her in exchange when she needs me. It is a gift that keeps on giving. :0)

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Erie Chapman

July 16, 2008

Thanks for your lovely comment, Yvonne

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~liz Wessel

July 16, 2008

What a lovely poem and an exquisite expression of the meaning of friendship. Friends enrich our lives and help us to discover our true selves. For it is in the sharing of our joys and sorrows that we experience the healing power of Love. I cherish a friendship most when I can reveal my innermost feelings and receive a gift of Loving acceptance. I am exceedingly grateful when I can offer this precious gift in return.

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Karen York

July 16, 2008

I am lucky to have a friend as you’ve described here. Thank you for posting this poem Erie.

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MFM

July 16, 2008

What a beautiful poem, I’ve never read one that described true friendship so perfectly. My life has been enriced and blessed by the people I am lucky enough to call my friends. How lucky are we when we can find those true friends that will listen, sift through and keep only what is needed, no judgement just love and acceptance.

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