Journal of Sacred Work

Days 134-138 Saint Liz

  Liz Wessel - [portrait] 2 The Vatican requires five stages before sainthood is declared. But, according to church expert Kevin Cotter, "The church does not make saints; it recognizes someone who is in heaven" to whom Catholics can pray. 

   Gladly Liz Wessel is still with us. If she does not make it to heaven one day none of us has a chance. Meanwhile, let us celebrate her.   

   If you follow the Journal you know this: For more than a decade Liz is the one who has decorated our pages & your life with words & artwork . She has sent her light through your eyes & into your heart & thus heals ones she never sees. 

   In more than 40 years as a nurse she has also healed hundreds in person. The Journal has it on good authority that across her two decades with Saint Joseph Healthcare  (now as Director of Education-Mission Services-Palliative Care) she has delivered hope, love & relief from pain to countless people in crisis as well as to her co-workers. 

   Jesus came to earth primarily to save souls, not to heal bodies. Radical Loving Care delivers Love's grace whether or not a patient is cured. 

   Liz is the ultimate whole-person healer. Her calm voice, lighted presence & kind hands are instruments of the God who created us all.

   Caregivers delivering home care bring relief to those suffering the agonies of terminal illness. This is Liz's mission – whole person care to all. 

   Patients soothed in the middle of crises may never know the impact Liz has had on their lives. They will not even realize that she has been sainted. But, you will.

   Erie Chapman Foundation is glad to recognize Liz Wessel's lifetime of healing by naming her our first Saint of Radical Loving Care.

   Go ahead. Call her Saint Liz. She deserves it. 

   Blessings to you, dear friend. 

-Reverend Erie Chapman, President

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7 responses to “Days 134-138 Saint Liz”

  1. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    Dearest Erie, you have surely taken me by surprise,and oh my gosh, oh my goodness, oh my wonderful friend! I thank you for celebrating and gifting me in this incredibly thoughtful way.
    Thank you for your radical loving support and belief in me throughout the years…you have been a great inspiration, mentor and I thank you for the invitation you provided to participate in the JSW. For truly, I would not have drawn, shared the poems or written these little reflections if I did have a purpose for doing so. It has been a discipline, a spiritual practice, a blessing and at times quite intimidating to confront a blank page. Yet, I frequently discover something and wonder where on earth or in heaven did that come from. What a gift this journey has been…and a true labor of love ! Can’t stop smiling… at how over the top this is!!!! Who is the giver and who the receiver? We are one…Thank you for blessing me so abundantly in such a delightful light-hearted way… 🙂
    ~liz

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  2. Terry Chapman Avatar
    Terry Chapman

    You go, Liz! I am another admirer since I am not able to even sketch a nature scene, hah! But all of us must move forward, doing what we love and do well: for one it will be art; for another: tying original trout flies; and for yet another: arranging the annual family reunion. Each gift can be presented so many differing ways for the occasion or for the moment!
    How marvelous is God’s way in creating us with highly specific skills and attributes? I just can’t wait to find out what will happen next as we walk together down the road to eternity–lovingly, carefully, but with vigor and gratitude

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  3. Jolyon Avatar
    Jolyon

    How does one address a “Saint”?
    I have known Elizabeth for around 42 years now. She has always wanted to help others. To know more. To care more. We all have gained immensely from knowing Liz. Her love. Her friendship. Her words. Her insight. Her artwork. Her miracles are every day. The smiles we get. The warmth we feel. The acknowledgment of ourselves as a child of God.

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  4. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    Terry, thank you for commenting and for sharing such a great insight. Yes, it is so true we each have differing gifts and ways of expressing love and gratitude for being able to share in this life. Our relationships create meaning in our lives.
    I so appreciate all your support and sharing of your gifts and accompanying us on this journey through the JSW!

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  5. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    Jolyon, wow, thank you immensely for this beautiful affirmation. I am so grateful that we have been blessed to share a friendship as we do. Thank you for all the light that you bring to my life and for your companionship through this JSW!

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  6. Woody Wessel Avatar
    Woody Wessel

    I guess feel blessed to be her support taff.

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  7. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    Smile, I am especially grateful to you for the countless ways you show up for me and people in need. Thank you Woody your kind and generous ways of helping people in small, yet big ways!

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