Journal of Sacred Work

 …it’s only when you hitch your wagon
to something larger than yourself that
you realize your true potential.   – President Barack Obama

   From a place so far away from the United States it's referred to as "down under" come words of encouragement from a lovely caregiver who has dedicated her life to Love. "Celebrate well," Maureen McDermott, RSJ, wrote to me about our inauguration day. I pass on her good wishes from Australia to all of us. For the inauguration of our new President is a testimony to our nation's top caregiver – someone who has "hitched" his wagon to something larger than himself. May we all strive to reach for something larger than us in our own lives.

   This is a time for celebration. It is a bright new day for America and the world. 
   I recall a tragic day, nearly forty-one years ago that was a time of mourning instead of celebration. April 5, 1968 was the day after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. On that day, and for a long time after, I felt ashamed to be white. Although a single deranged white man had committed the tragic deed, I felt deeply aware of all the degrading things done by white men who looked like me to black men who looked like Dr. King.
   I felt like apologizing to every black person I saw. In many ways, I still feel that way. White men like me have not done enough to support the cause of equal rights in America.
   Before he was shot, Dr. King had been spit at, derided, attacked and jailed. When he was finally murdered, it felt to me like the killer had tried to assassinate a dream. It is up to us to keep that noble dream alive.
   Will the swearing in of Barack Obama redeem the dream? Perhaps in part. But, the ascendancy of this obviously brilliant man to the Presidency offers hope of something broader. It suggests that the day may come when we no longer highlight accomplishments by referring to the race of the individual.
   When a woman becomes President, she will be hailed as the first. After that, we may hopefully transcend such shallow distinctions.
   Love sees no race or gender or nationality. That is the call to all of us as caregivers. Each caregiver needs to fight the temptation to discriminate against the sick and wounded by pitying them as somehow less than us. Instead, we caregivers need honor the ill as brothers and sisters who can be healed with a Love that offers both competence and compassion.
   One of the many polls that are constantly being broadcast reported that 79% of Americans feel hopeful about the Obama Presidency. 100% of us would like someone to save us from our current troubles. Obviously, we all know that President Obama is not superhuman. Yet, we want him to be. And many are prepared to pounce on his first mistake. Can we have patience as he and our other leaders seek solutions? Can we do our part as we watch Mr. Obama doing his? Can we celebrate this new day with open hearts and keep the celebration going by transforming words to dreams to deeds?
   Mother Teresa was once asked why God allowed evil. She responded with words to the effect that God had equipped human beings to deal with disasters by helping each other. The problem, she said, was that instead of helping, we complain and blame. God offers Love. What else do we need?
   What do you think? Does the new President make you feel helpful about your work as a caregiver?

-Erie Chapman