Journal of Sacred Work

3 responses to “Day 233 – Light Inside Pain”

1. 

   Edwin Loftin

   August 20, 2008

   This can be answered with a moment in time, an awakening of an individual into a healing presence. However, as I have thought about this, my response is much broader.
   In a word, Erie, YES.
   The, this light emerges every day in moments big and small. The caring touch of a healer, the smile of a passerby, the hello of an apparent stranger.
   As we are all healers one of our responsibilities is to assure the gift of the light is allowed to be found, seen, and felt. This has become even more profound as I have watched and worked with 22 of my carepartners as they prepare to provide presence retreats for our entire organization. These 22 are not only an example of the light of a living organization they are also 22 individual points of light. Watching these carepartners emerge as healing leaders, having the privlege of experiencing their individual moments of caring with patients is amazing. The gift of the box of darknes allows these lights to be that much brighter for all.
   This brings to point a weekend of camping with my family about 15 years ago. We were on the uninhabited outerbanks of North Carolina and at night the only light came from a campfire or the sky. As all four of us sat on the beach we watched the phosperesence glow as a wave crashed and starred into the sky seeing the clear definition of the Milky way, each star, and every shooting star. In this moment my 8 year old daughter asked, how can one tiny light in the sky be so very bright?
   To me, this question of an 8 year old is the answer to the gift of darkness in a box.

   LikeLike

   Reply
2. 

   ~liz Wessel

   August 20, 2008

   I am struck by the poignancy of Mary Oliver’s words. They remind me that the only way to reach the light is by walking through the darkness. We might attempt to side step and postpone the inevitable; the facing of our pain and fears. During the times when I am in the midst of darkness or accompanying another there does not seem to be any end in sight. It is hard to imagine that things will turn out okay and that often they even turnout for the better. Yet in faith I know all will be well.
   Ed I appreciate your thoughtful response today and especially the images shared of your family and I loved the precious question posed by your daughter!
   What is vivid in my mind as I reflect on your question, Erie, was a situation that occurred two years ago. On a Sunday evening, I received a call to inform me that a young couple from our church family was at the hospital and Roz was having a miscarriage. I was asked to pray for this couple and as I did I asked God was there something more I should do? I thought about going to be with them at the hospital. I was ambivalent, wondering if my visit would be an intrusion, and if I could be of help at such a dark time in their lives. What made the situation even more unbearable was that Roz had five previous miscarriages and this time she was pregnant with twins. We had all shared a sigh of relief when she entered her fifth month thinking she was out of the woods and without complications.
   Although I felt helpless I thought I could at least offer to get someone coffee and on an impulse I went. As I approached the hospital entrance, I met Father Peter and we walked up to the floor together where Father Autoro and a few other companions greeted us. After a while, we entered the couple’s room as their little angels Ethan and Emily were held by each of us, Loved, blessed, Christened, talked to, while their short lived gradually ended. To be a part of those intimate moments of life with this family was a most sacred experience. An intense radiating Love lit up the darkness.
   On a happy note, a miracle happened, little Emily entered Roz and Daniels life she is is now a year old and a beloved of us all.

   LikeLike

   Reply
3. 

   ~liz Wessel

   August 21, 2008

   Gosh, correction; little Hailey has blessed Roz and Dan’s life.

   LikeLike

   Reply