Journal of Sacred Work

 As we discussed the idea of surrendering to God's Love, a male caregiver asked me, "Isn't surrendering like giving up?If I give up, than what would happen to my patients?"

   His question led her to a false conclusion because because he started with the wrong premise. In his mind, surrendering meant not trying anymore. What good caregiver would want to do that?

   The most confusing thing about surrender is the very word. It implies loss of the worst kind.

   But, what if you surrender to Love? Imagine your new life with Love as your guide?

   A patient needs something. Your new world directs you towards Love for the answer rather than towards the threats of a supervisor or the terror of being fired. .

   Love may tell you to help the patient before you or to determine that another patient down the hall needs you more urgently. It may also mean that you are too tired to provide meaningful help or that the patient's problem is beyond your skill level and you need to get an expert.

   If you consult Fear, however, you receive a different answer. Fear might tell you to help the patient even if you are unable to do so effectively because you are afraid of your supervisor. It may also push you to try to do something beyond your skills so that you can win praise.

   If you believe that Love is the highest energy, why fight with her? To fight God suggests that you think you know better.

   Should we fight Fear? If you have surrendered to Love, there is no need to fight with Fear. 

   It is not that you are more powerful than evil. It is that Love is. Let Love deal with evil.

   Jesus surrendered to Love so powerfully that the cross, once an ugly symbol of torture, was converted by his sacrifice into one of the most sacred images in the world.

   Trusting our lives to Love is the most difficult thing we can do, and the most important.

   In the midst of letting go, our other self will shout to us, "Watch out! You will suffer. Love will let you down!"

   But Love cannot let us down. Only we can do that to ourselves.

-Erie Chapman

Further question for reflection: Time is a trick. But, isn't the biggest trick the human notion of "reality?"