Journal of Sacred Work

Erie Chapman

  • Days 151-156 – Openings To The Soul

    Master storytellers are master chefs. They mix the finest ingredients in artful ways: Spice, but not so much it burns the tongue. Tastes that thrill Life’s palate. Love that burns away Fear’s toxins…How we describe our suffering determines not whether… Continue reading

  • Day 144-148 – Lost

    There are so many ways to become lost. I found one yesterday in a forest nearby, & ultimately far away, from home. Heaven & hell are the way-stations of the pioneer. There is a lot to be found when lost.… Continue reading

  • Days 137-141 – Hopeless Romantics

    “What I remember is love, all love – love of this dirt road, this sunrise, a day by the river, the stranger I met in the cafe.” Continue reading

  • Days 130-134 Who Walks Beside You?

    While walking my mother down the hall to her independent living home she said to me, “When you are not walking beside me I will pretend you are walking beside me.” …Which of your departed ancestors, family & friends still… Continue reading

  • Days 123-127 – Four Pictures of Your Hands

    Do you ever feel that you have understood some things better before they were explained? Learning how my hands functioned & looked in x-rays distanced me for awhile from the mysteries of touch. Continue reading

  • Days 116-120 – Where Are You From?

    Minton Sparks helps us understand where we are truly “from.” For example, I am from my father’s Hollywood YMCA where I spent every Saturday swimming…and I am from the older sister who helped raise me, my first friend Jill &… Continue reading

  • Days 109-113 – The “Barbarian” President

    This election is important to every caregiver because Presidents set the nation’s tone. A negative approach can influence millions to decide cynicism is better than optimism. Every great President has led with hope & love, not fear & disdain. Continue reading

  • Days 102-106 – The Male Need for Softness

    Men honor softness in women. Yet, only a small number admit to appreciating the vulnerable in themselves…It is the television news from Syrian deserts & Chicago streets that wants Love’s soft embrace. It is Hostility’s face that seeks healing lace. Continue reading

  • Days 95-99 – Five Lines

    Maybe all we want is to be heard. Maybe all we want is to be heard./ Is that the “human virtue” the hand-sketched boy whistles?/ Do you hear his song?/ Do I hear yours? Is that what wins Love’s perfect… Continue reading

  • Days 88-92 – “And Jesus Laughed”

    Does it not make sense that the Jesus who wept would also laugh? Do you wonder if he danced & sang as well?…In the days following Holy Week it is comforting to believe that along his earthly journey Jesus, like… Continue reading