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.

Recent Posts

About

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.

Day 152 – Revealing the Light in Others

"Berenice Abbot was the key that unlocked Atget's Paris for the rest of the world." (Wikipedia)

Atget organ grinder    Eugene Atget (1857-1927) is recognized in art circles as one of the foremost photographers of the early 20th century. Atget spent most of his adult life wandering the streets of Paris photographing her architecture and capturing, with his artist's eye, images which today live in art museums around the world. But, Atget was exceptionally shy and retiring. It took another photographer, Berenice Abbot (1898-1991), to realize the genius in Atget's images and to persistently promote them until the art world finally realized the beauty inside the albumin prints Atget and Abbott made.
   Without Abbott's work, we would probably know nothing of Atget. Without Theo Van Gogh's selfless and consistent support, we would not know of the work of his brother Vincent. Such stories of one person revealing the light in another are endless – and important to the lives of caregivers.
   What every great charity leader does is to reveal the light in co-workers so that others may see it. They do this by recognizing the gifts of others, affirming them, and trumpeting this music into the broader world.
   My wife is quite gifted at this. She is forever championing the creative efforts of friends and family members. I credit her encouragement as being one of the big reasons our children have turned out so well.
   It is the affirmation of charity leaders that is so crucial to the development of loving cultures. Most caregivers are like Eugene Atget, shy people who avoid the spotlight. They may not need the spotlight. But we need to see their example. It needs to shine as a beacon for other caregivers who may be feeling discouraged. That is the power of the film, Sacred Work, that Van Grafton and I made in the early part of the century. What caregivers at hundreds of hospitals around America see when they view this film is the light of other caregivers revealed in the most loving way.
   How do you bring out the light in others?

-Erie Chapman

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2 responses to “Day 152 – Revealing the Light in Others”

  1. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    Thanks for sharing this fascinating photo and remarkable story.
    You ask an important question and one that I do not have a simple answer for, especially as I think of fellow caregivers who are discouraged. Yet, in my next breath, I realize you have already given us the answer “It is the leader’s job to provide the affirmation necessary to build loving cultures.” Sometimes I too feel discouraged when my efforts do not seem to be not perceived as meaningful or helpful. It is a challenge in the midst of the struggles of the day, to not lose sight of the forest through the trees. We need moments of pause and reflection in the midst of it all to regain insight and clarity, which goes against the fast currents of change, and productivity expectations and difficult economic times. Yet, it leads me to wonder, how my encounters with others might change if I keep this question, “How do I bring out the light in others”…in the forefront of my thoughts with each person I encounter.
    It is a funny how we can see beauty in another person so clearly when they may not be able to see it in themselves. Perhaps it is an unrealized dream, a natural talent yet to be developed, or a potential that with nurturance and attention may reveal itself in time. Yes, we need to encourage that light with our affirmation and Loving support. This is the gift that we were born to receive and give. It is our natural inheritance.
    Thank you for being a radiant beacon light for so many caregivers.

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  2. Victoria Facey Avatar
    Victoria Facey

    It is my friends at work that share their light with me. The light I shed is combined with parts of what I’ve received from others. A co-worker corrected a document that I would have erroneously sent out to the staff. It is that kind of support and care that makes it a joy to give over 100% in my workday. This type of camaraderie really makes the day go smoother and serves as a confidence builder
    Last Friday I came to work after dealing with a crisis at home. A friend kindly listened to me, allowed me to gather myself and offered support, as my day was just starting.
    Encouragement is rare these days, we are all trying to make sure we’re okay. Caregivers are definitely the exception and can bring out the best is us…

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