Journal of Sacred Work

"I am an example of what is possible when girls, from the very beginning
of their lives, are loved and nurtured by the people around them." – First Lady Michelle Obama

   Diana Gallaher sent me the above quote, delivered by First Lady Michelle Obama during her visit to London. "Nothing in my life's path would have predicted that I would be standing here," Ms. Obama told her audience. And we all know the magic in this statement. Growing up black and female in America remains a difficult and challenging experience. Growing up black and female and becoming First Lady of the world's most powerful nation seems as astounding as the impossible rise of the man by her side to the Presidency.
   What rings out from Ms. Obama's comment is the credit she gives to being "loved and nurtured" from the very beginning of her life. The Love she received has enabled her to lead from Love herself.
   It takes self confidence (self-love in the best sense) and a trusting view of humanity to lead from Love. Forget party affiliation and listen to President Obama's language: “It is also my responsibility to lead America into recognizing that its
interests, its fate, is tied up with the larger world.”
   There has been an historic tendency for many American's to disdain interests beyond our borders. Yet, the fate of each of us is tied to that of "the larger world."
   Consider the role of caregiving in America. If we think of Love as finite, we may be inclined to dole it out like it was a role of dollar bills in our pocket. Once we recognize Love as infinite, we can begin to see ourselves as either vehicles of Love or its obstacle.
   When we let Love flow through us to children, whether or not they are "ours" we enable the development of remarkable people like Michelle Obama and so many others. This is what Annie Sullivan did for the blind and deaf Helen Keller, empowering one of the most beautiful spirits of the 20th century. "Annie brought her love into my darkness," Keller said. Absent the caregiving of Annie Sullivan, we might never have seen Keller's light.
   This is the opportunity that lies before us: to let Love's light flow through us so powerfully that it awakens the Love in all those around us. It is uncanny how powerful this Love can be in brightening the lives of those in pain.
   How have you seen the effects of Love in those around you in the caregiving environment.?

-Erie Chapman