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.

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August 26 – 1st International Caregiver’s Day – Mother Theresa’s 100th Birthday

August 26, 2010

Although the actual date of her arrival in this world is in dispute, most authorities accept August 26, 1910 as the day Mother Theresa's was born. The precise moment doesn't matter much. What counts is that Mother Theresa was one of the finest examples of Radical Loving Care the world has ever known.

There is no "International Caregiver's Day" – no date on the calendar when the country or the world celebrate the invaluable and endless Love that flows to us through the hearts of caregivers. Let's make THIS the day.

Henceforth, note August 26 on your calendar as a special day to pause and reflect on your fellow caregivers. Mark today as the first, International Caregiver's Day.

In honor of the occasion, Liz Wessel has created three beautiful watercolors. They are displayed here as part of our celebration.

We need to celebrate the sacrifices of caregivers everyday, of course. But, special dates enable a high focus on what is taken for granted on most other days.

Unfortunately, I don't have the power to give you the day off. But, you have the power to give yourself at least a few minutes today to celebrate the work of you and your friends – perhaps to send a fellow caregiver a note thanking them for the way they live Love for others.

There are many who could stand as symbols of great caregiving. Mother Theresa's is as fine an example as I know because of her personal decision to follow her unique calling: service to the poorest of the poor.

Radical Loving Care is not about ordinary kindness. It is about living Love in ways most of us don't. Who among us offers Love to enemies? Which of us reaches beyond the easy comfort of our relationships with friends and neighbors to touch the hearts of the most lonely and the most neglected?

Mother Theresa did these things every day. She lived Love even when she herself harbored painful doubts about God.

Her courage and endurance were legendary. Her Love was sublime.

Yet, this day is not only about Mother Theresa. It is about you.

You are the one we celebrate today. You, who walk lonely hallways in the middle of the night to care for semi-conscious people in need. You, who choose each day to walk into a world of illness to relieve suffering. You who live Love.

So many of us take jobs for money. Caregivers are never paid enough for the hard work they do.

Celebrate each other today. Celebrate yourself. You are living the richest calling life offers. You are a caregiver!

-Rev. Erie Chapman

Note: Special thanks from all of us to Liz Wessel for sharing her artistic gifts as well as her writing and caregiving.

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8 responses to “August 26 – 1st International Caregiver’s Day – Mother Theresa’s 100th Birthday”

Karen York

August 26, 2010

Beautiful idea Erie and fabulous work Liz. Thank you for honoring all of us.

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Marily

August 26, 2010

Kudos to every person who loves another… being a Caregiver is 24/7. A noble lifestyle that can fulfill our purpose driven lives. We can feel secure as we continue to lean on, trust in and feel confident that “Living Radical Love”, is what we ought to be in this world. I am most of all ever thankful, to my lifetime-partner-reliever who is always there for our daughters, that allows me to ease through my joys… from family to work, I see he has done very well… through the years we all learned. Thank you Lord for my husband. Happy International Caregiver’s Day!!!

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Tom Knowles-Bagwell

August 26, 2010

This is a great idea, Erie! Thanks for the paintings, Liz!

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Marilyn Donan, CWOCN, BSN

August 26, 2010

I took care of my sweet husband for two years before he died. I feel I was put on this earth to do this and get him to heaven. Once this was done, I felt/feel I can die happy. Nothing could be more rewarding, meaningful, or difficult. I think about him every day, sometimes several times a day. I love you, John.
On a happier note, I just got a new job after thirty years of nursing. I feel like I landed in caregiver Nirvana. Staff are beyond nice–always smiling, welcoming me, taking excellent care of the patients. One of the doctors actually had lunch with us–sat at the same table on the patio. Another doctor said, “just call me William…forget about the doctor part.” 95% of the rooms are private, and MOST HAVE OCEAN views. The hospital hires many mentally challenged people and gives them meaningful jobs. It seems like a great place. I’ve started a new job where people smiled at me, and went out of their way to help me as a new person. Well, god bless all you caregivers out there.

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~liz Wessel

August 27, 2010

“Peace begins with a smile. Let us greet each other with a smile for it is the beginning of Love.” ~Mother Teresa
What a wonderful way to begin celebrating caregivers from around the world…with a smile and an opportunity to reflect on the work and life of Mother Teresa on the day of her birth!
To honor also the voice who calls us to be faithful in Love, no matter, no act of love is ever small it is indeed a miracle.
I wish to express my gratitude to Rev. Chapman for calling us to remember our natural inheritance and to live Love.
Most of all I wish to honor All Caregivers who keep their hearts open and continue this legacy of healing and hope.

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ann kaiser

August 27, 2010

Mother Teresa..just the mention of her name in a conversation….every one relates to the understanding of what a loving care giver she was. She displayed Radical Loving Care everyday. Thinking of her on this day causes one to stretch themselves just a little more to be better as a Loving Caregiver. Everyone who posts to this Journal also causes me to stretch a little more to do the same. Erie and Liz, you are my mentors and you are my journaling caregivers in helping me to stretch a little more everyday. Thank you for that. I think the Journal of Sacred Work makes me a caregetter rather than a caregiver , because I always feel I get more than I can give back.
Happy International Caregivers Day !!!!Blessings!!!

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Victoria Facey

August 27, 2010

How beautiful to read this site today, to see the outpouring of love for Mother Theresa and how it grows, long after her passing. Thank you Rev. Chapman for creating the International Caregivers Holiday, especially acknowledging and combining this event on the anniversary of Mother Theresa’s birth. May word of this spread like seeds and bloom everywhere.
Liz, your loving and creative mandalas keep her memory and legacy alive, such beautiful gifts…

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Nicole Bernd

May 8, 2011

Hello,
I love this idea! I run a caregiver community website and today is mother’s day. It made me think about how there should be a caregiver’s day. I did a google search and landed here. I plan on celebrating this this year and letting my website members know to take the time to appreciate themselves on this day. It couldn’t be more fitting to have this day related to Mother Teresa’s birthday since caregivers are some of the most caring and generous people in the world today and they should not go unnoticed!

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