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.

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.

About

Days 32-33 – Changing and Staying the Same

January 31, 2010

Effective today, February 1, my retirement as President & CEO of the Baptist Healing Trust is official. For Journal readers, I will continue to offer this blog from my new role as president of my family foundation and of Chapman Health International, Inc. and as a recently ordained minister.

Since my co-author, Cathy Self, has been named Interim President of the Trust, I have been looking for a new co-author to cover at least one post a week. I am pleased that Liz Wessel, R.N., M.S., perhaps the most devoted follower of this work, has agreed to help from her west coast hospital location. Regular readers of the Journal will know of Liz's passion for caregiving and I am grateful to her for her willingness to write the Saturday edition of our publication.

My previous post was about the Monarch butterfly which, as we all know, makes a marvelous transition through remarkable stages to become one of the most gorgeous of God's creatures. The idea that we are the same person we were a year, five years or twenty years ago is, of course, a myth.

We are always changing even though we may look about the same to others. It may be interesting for you, as a caregiver, to reflect across this week on what has changed about you and what has remained the same.

With love,

-Erie Chapman

Posted in Uncategorized

18 responses to “Days 32-33 – Changing and Staying the Same”

ann kaiser

January 31, 2010

Erie, you have been an inspiration and an encourager to me.Thank you for all your contributions of love and compassion. Your words have touched my heart and soul. I am grateful for my wonderful loving dear friend Liz, to step forward from her busy schedule and commitments to continue this endeavor as an author weekly. The journal is truely Sacred and I look forward to the continued post readings.
God Bless!

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Carolyn Olney

January 31, 2010

Congratulations Erie on your move to new ventures and new ways of being. May it open even more doors of light and healing to you and others!
Liz- thank you for offering to share more reflections. We will all benefit from this tremendous gift.
As I think back on the journey of this week, one in which I recycled and discarded remnants of my past, I found myself looking to see how much of the person I was then still is a part of who I am now. In many ways, that core self, with support and nurture from many people, much travel, and other life experiences, has made me a stronger version of that self of long ago.
May we both accept the intervention and gift of those who nurture us along life’s path, and offer that to others.

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Maureen McDermott

January 31, 2010

Thank you Erie for your presence to us through this Sacred Journal – what an inspiration it is and you have been. As you move into this next stage of your living and ministering may you continue to be blessed by our God of Love and Joy. I know that you will be a blessing to those with whom you come in contact. Thank you for the gift of Liz and the reflections she will bring into our hearts in your absence. Liz, too, is a remarkable woman – such dedication, gentleness, compassion and sincerity. Liz, may you continue to be a flute in the arms of our gracious God.
Thank you both Erie and Liz.

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~liz Wessel

January 31, 2010

Thank you dear friends for the beautiful blessings. Fortunately for caregivers Erie has committed to continue this Journal! Erie Chapman is the “Anam Cara” of all caregivers, as his soul reflects the sacred light he sees in others eyes to awaken our hearts and minds, and to inspire a Radical Loving Care of patients, family members, and humanity. A Love that knows no limits or boundaries. Congratulations, Erie, on your retirement from the Baptist Healing Trust! Although, this marks a major ending of a chapter in your distinguished career in healthcare, we know it only signals new and wonderful beginnings in your many endeavors to Live Love. Thank you for all your significant contributions to help change the face of the mountain by planting seeds of Loving Care that continue to grow and flourish throughout our country and the world! I dedicate this video Anam Cara to you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFx-WnvU9_w&feature=related
With Love,
~liz

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Yvonne Ginez-Gonzales

January 31, 2010

Wow…I am not sure what to say..so what I say is with sincere thought and best wishes. To Erie..I certainly have had many an opportunity to read your daily postings and have reflected from time to time. I would have never found them if it was not for Liz who was my preceptor as a Master’s student. The times that I did not reply after reading may have been because I had taken up my personal journaling at home and may have reflected there..sometimes it was because I did not know what to say…However, I want you know that I knew that on any given day I could open up one of your reflections for the day and find some sense of peace, calmness or inspiration. Congratulations on your retirement…Liz you are and have always been such a role model to me… I certainly am feeling quite special to know you personally..You always find me and share with me some very special postings that you think I would connect with and I appreciate that in you. Now I can say my friend is co-authoring… Woo Hoo!!! I am so blessed.. You are REMARKABLE!!! Congrats… 😀

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Karen York

February 1, 2010

Your work at the Trust will certainly be missed and I am so thankful you are keeping this journal going. I apologize for not writing lately. I have been in a place of receiving and healing and haven’t been able to add anything. Please know that I have read these several times each day and they have helped more than you can possibly know. Blessings to you.

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Bobbye Terry

February 1, 2010

Erie,
I must add my sincere congratulations on your retirement; but, as most of those in our line of work, it is usually not a true retirement, but a handing over of one pair of reins to take full control of yet another set. I know you do it with love and conviction to face another challenge, and I admire that tremendously.
I have thoroughly enjoyed your posts over the years and am thrilled you will continue, as well as excited that my friend, Liz, will be a part of this endeavor. I look forward to many more years of dipping from your well of humor, warmth and inspirational words to feed my soul as I start out my day.
Thank you from my heart.

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Rachelle Yeates

February 1, 2010

Erie,
I know wherever your path leads, the people walking alongside you will be blessed. Thank you for giving so openly of yourself. Your words have rippled out farther than you know.
Liz and Cathy, you are both gracious and lovely women. I can’t wait to read what you have to share.
Blessings to you all.

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Sue Staley

February 1, 2010

Erie, I am a friend of Liz’s and have known her since nursing school. I thank you for the words of encouragement and keeping us focused on Love,,, Your new jouney of being a minister in Christ will be one that will take you many places. There are many people who are in need of the talents you have.
I admire your devotion to Health and caregivers. I will be interested to hear stories of how your new venture blooms.

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Victoria Facey

February 1, 2010

Erie, I celebrate you, as you change in retirement from the Baptist Healing Trust, yet stay with the Journal of Sacred Works as a newly ordained minister. With this role, Chapman Health and your family foundation, it sounds like you’ll still have a hat rack (smile).
I am happy to know that we’ll find your thoughts, your prose and your praises in the Journal. And Liz Wessel will also complement the blog with her insight, art and beauty as a weekly contributor. We have much to learn, to be reminded of and to reflect on and I’m looking forward to 2010 with you at the helm!

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www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1124893637

February 1, 2010

Erie – Congratulations on your retirement, it has been a great honor to have known you in this capacity and I will continue to follow your posts as you transition. I suppose a congratulations is in order for my colleague and friend Liz too. She continues to inspire the essence of caregiving in every encounter by making is sacred. You both are “looking good!”

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Bea

February 1, 2010

I rmember being seated at the table with you in San Juan Capistrano at a retreat hosted by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. As we entered into an exercise, I was so touched by your gentleness and compassion, you were preparing to be ordained. I thank you for sharing your experiences then and since. Continued reflections are secure in the hands of Liz, also the personification of Radical Loving Care. Thank you and Godspeed!

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Kelly Roberts

February 1, 2010

Happy retirement!. I am so happy that we will continue to receive your posts. Erie, you have enriched and inspired my life. Thank you so much.

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Joanne Manfredi

February 1, 2010

Best of luck to you in your new life adventures.
Liz Wessel will do a wonderful job in taking over her responsibilities and working with you.

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Barbara Mason

February 1, 2010

I have worked with Liz for 6 or 7 years and she is the one that opened the door to these amazing writings. I have to tell you that whether or not I make a comment daily, I take the thoughts with me throughout my day, moment by moment and patient by patient. Since November I have been on a medical leave and although I am not working your words have kept my life work alive for me, providing nursing to patients through the Word of Jesus Christ. I am almost 56 years old and the past few years, although I am very young have hit me hard in some ways and without writings like yours it would have been a harder travel. May the God of Grace bless with peace and comfort and a joy for living that all see in your words. Sincerely and with Love Barbara Turnblom Mason

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Gemma Fernandez

February 2, 2010

Congratulations on your retirement, well deserved. We all caregivers will always remember your words of peace, encouragement and love.
Sincerely, Gemma Fernandez R.N.

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Diana Gallaher

February 4, 2010

I love you dearly Erie. I’m so thankful for you, Liz, and the Journal.

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Suan B Geh

February 5, 2010

Erie: Congratulations on your retirement. Thank you for your journals which has been comforting and uplifting. I am sure Liz your co-author will be a great help to you as you pursue your other goals in life. God bless- (from a retired nurse who has enjoyed ministering to those in need during my long time career).

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