Journal of Sacred Work

“Give your hands to service and your heart to love.” Mother Teresa

In an age where artificial intelligence is increasingly integrating into the realm of healthcare by taking on responsibilities of caregivers, Erie’s poignant reflection points out that “the value of human hands and hearts is threatened.” The following reflection is an excerpt from a conversation I had with Mirella, a dedicated nurse who is imbued with a gift of healing. Her story highlights the beautiful gift of love and compassion that is beyond any substitution of AI.

“I come from a family of seven siblings, growing up we frequently visited my grandmother in Mexico. I recall how she would receive me in such a loving way. I would run into her arms and hug her. She would always clasp my hands, kiss them, and bless them by saying, ‘may these hands touch the lives of others, may these hands bless the lives of others, may these hands heal what is touched.’ As a young girl, my inner self believed that this was true. My grandmother inspired me to believe in the power of words spoken over and now I can see how it has truly influenced my life. For 20 plus years, I see that when someone speaks over with encouragement those words just have so much power, as much as the power of touch.”

"My home care visits embody and embraces the person where they're at in their moment of need.  It's easy to get caught up in rushing, taking vitals, doing a task, and not really getting to know the person. It is foundational for my patients to trust me, allowing me into their home, their lives, and sharing what concerns them. When they see the transparency, love and sincerity of me as a nurse that opens the doors to so many things that sometimes I'm amazed about these day-to-day encounters of just giving hope and encouragement to those that we visit, they're beautiful moments.  I get encouraged, they get encouraged and I'm fulfilled by immersing myself in the moment, observing and serving."

"As a home health nurse, I don't need to say anything about my faith. I can’t explain what happens but it’s in the non-verbal cues. When I get that tug in my heart, I believe somewhere down deep in the patient’s heart or in their memory, and as I sense their need and I’ll ask if they would like me to pray. Just offering the love of God they become truly embraced in the moment. I see people smile and showing love, patience, kneeling down at their level, meeting them eye to eye, paying attention and listening."

"I genuinely care for people of all walks of life. I believe that it's a calling and you have to have the heart and passion to serve God's people and I'm serving one at a time in my community. I’m believing that every encounter makes a difference. They will see me not only as a great nurse but someone who took time to help care for them."

"We can never underestimate the power of one because in that one there are many, in the many there is one, always acknowledging and knowing that you're surrounded by love, and support. When you allow yourself and say yes to the calling, know that the love and peace of God is with you, and just walk in faith."

"For me it was those words that were spoken over me by my grandmother that I took into my heart, and I believe them every single day of my life knowing that I walk in a calling, knowing that I love to serve, and every door is an opportunity to serve our community, one by one I'm knocking on the door serving and showing love to many.”

Thank you, Mirella for living love, for the wisdom shared and for opening your heart and hands to the gift of healing.

 Liz Sorensen Wessel
Healing Touch By ~liz