Journal of Sacred Work

Days 261-262 The Footsteps Of Your Soul

Grandfather grandson"The face of all the world is changed, I think,/ Since first I heard the footsteps of thy soul" – Elizabeth Barret Browning

   The footsteps of my grandchildren's souls have certainly changed the face of mine. But, our presence does not always bring joy to others. 

   "Jean" was a veteran nurse leader at a hospital I came to lead. She was described as competent. 

   But, Jean's staff was afraid of her. When Jean went up on the floors, the Love's light went down.

   When I mentioned this to her she said, "Good. I want my staff to fear me. Then they will do what I say."

   I suppose there is a place for fear-based leadership, but it is not in a hospital that espouses Radical Loving Care. Jean was guided into early retirement. 

   How do you change the lives of others? Who has altered "the face of all the world" for you?

   It can be fascinating to consider the imprint of your heart. Consider the effect you have when you walk into a room of colleagues. Does the light rise or fall?

   Insight comes from honestly asking yourself the right questions. What impact do you have? What influence do the "the footsteps" of another have on you? How can you raise your light?

   You probably underestimate how much you affect the lives of others. Fortunately, you carry Love within you.  Let it come out. 

-Erie Chapman 

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5 responses to “Days 261-262 The Footsteps Of Your Soul”

  1. Cheri Cancelliere Avatar
    Cheri Cancelliere

    Thank you for sharing such an important truth, Erie. I once had two supervisors, which posed a bit of a dilemma in itself. One operated out of love and I would go to the ends of the earth to please him. He truly cared about others so long days and mountains of work were sheer pleasure, because love is its own reward. It was a wonderful experience and I count him as my dearest friend to this day. The other boss operated out of fear. I dreaded the sound of his voice and literally cowered at his approach. I was a piece of machinery to churn out work and be pushed harder and harder to reach maximum efficiency. Both of them wielded power, but the power of love was stronger by far than the power of fear. Efficiency and respect do not need to be sacrificed for love. In fact, love is the greatest motivator and healer in the world. Nothing is too hard for love and it will remain long after fear is left behind as a bad memory.

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  2. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    Your grandson looks so joyful and content in your presence, Erie. What a lucky boy! The light is raised in both of your eyes.
    There are some who tend to abuse positions of authority. I think at the core of their toxic behavior is an inner fear. Yet, these tactics never work; coercing others to get results creates a demoralized, disengaged team. Creativity dwindles and we lose out on tremendous potential. Absenteeism, illness and injury increase. Yet, shockingly there is a strong correlation between team communication and patient safety. People who feel intimidated by co-workers often do not speak up when safety hazards are noticed. This has resulted in wrong-site surgeries, even though team members were aware they were afraid to speak up and tell the surgeon due to fear of his reaction. There are many situations of patient harm due to poor team communication.
    Trust is necessary for relationships to flourish; people need to feel safe. Your inquiry questions are not only helpful but framed in such a beautiful way. Thank you for raising the light in my day.

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  3. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    what a beautiful truth, Cheri! Thank you!

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  4. sbeng Avatar
    sbeng

    Erie: thank you for your words “Love is in you, let it come out”. This following quote is taken from Pope Francis’s recent lengthy interview with the Italian Jesuit journal La Civilta Cattolica. He had done pastoral services and loves to mingle with the local people in his community before he became a Pope. His words are very touching. Here are his words: “I have a dogmatic certainty: God is in every person’s life. Even if the life of a person has been a disaster, even if it is destroyed by vices, drugs or anything else-God is in this person’s life. You can, you must try to seek God in every human life. Although the life of a person is a land full of thorns and weeds there is always a space in which the good seed can grow. You have to trust God”. May we all see God in every person and treat everyone with respect from the staff to the sick patients as we continue to give care to the sick and suffering whether in the hospital or in the home setting specially in Hospice care where the families are involved in the daily care and supervision of their loved ones.

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  5. Cheri Cancelliere Avatar
    Cheri Cancelliere

    The sum of it all… “You have to trust God.” What a blessed reminder. Thank you.

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