Karen Minnich-Sadler, Hospice Chaplain, On the AIR Equation - 4/23/2008

“Being able to accept ourselves and others as we are while still gently encouraging one another to grow is one of the greatest blessings.”
- Karen Minnich-Sadler

Karen Minnich-Sadler is a fellow writer. When she talked about launching her new website and its mission, I felt compelled to have her “On The AIR” as a guest and talk about the positive things she’s doing, among other things.

Karen is also part-time Hospice Chaplain. Formerly a pastor in the Lutheran church, she now reaches out through her website www.faithdance.com to those who were once part of the established Christian church, but who feel disconnected from it. She has written articles, devotionals, and sermons for various Christian publications and clergy journals. As a Hospice Chaplain, it is Karen’s hope that her presence with people throughout the dying process will give them a greater acceptance of the natural flow of life, and help them see death as the birthing process that ushers them into the next stage of life.

Welcome to the AIR Equation: The 3-Part Formula For Happiness.

AIR: TELL US A HERO STORY WHERE SOMEONE WAS IN A HORRIBLE SITUATION AND LATER WAS GIVEN HAPPINESS.

MINNICH-SADLER: When I think of hero stories, my thoughts automatically go to the hospice nurses and aides I work with. They’re in daily contact with people who are dying and their traumatized families, yet they continue to do this work without becoming burned out or bitter. They genuinely care about their patients and families, and I’ve seen them cry when someone dies. This is especially true when that person has been with hospice for awhile and they’ve developed a close relationship, or the patient is a child. I’ve been visiting clients when the nurses or aides were there and as I waited for my turn to visit, I watched them deal gently with the patients, and with infinite compassion when talking to families. They’re realistic about the situation and encourage families to take care of themselves, too. My heroes don’t wear brightly colored tights or come bursting onto the scene in a dramatic rescue. My heroes wear agency uniforms and carry bags with medical supplies.

AIR: HOW DO THESE HEROES SAVE THE DAY FOR HAPPINESS?

MINNICH-SADLER: By accepting the natural ending of this life into the next life, the nurses and aides bring a calming presence into situations where families feel overwhelmed and down. They don’t rush through visits and always have time to talk as long as the families need them. They’re good listeners and have compassionate hearts, and many patients form a closer tie to them than they do to me. They give themselves to bring hope to families and make them feel a little less alone, brightening their lives. These are relationships of love and respect. These workers have been an inspiration to me and everyone with whom they come in contact.

AIR: HAPPINESS, COURTESY OF THE AIR EQUATION. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF. HOW HAVE YOU HELPED US MOVE ONE STEP CLOSER TO HAPPINESS?

MINNICH-SADLER: My hospice work is important to me, but so is my website, www.faithdance.com. In it, I encourage people who are dissatisfied with religion not to give up on God. By weaving spiritual insights into transitions that often occur at mid-life, I try to help people understand what they’re experiencing when their world gets turned upside-down and everything is called into question, including faith. For some, it’s a crisis at mid-life, confusing, overwhelming, and painful with deep personal transformation. By sharing my own story of such a time of upheaval, I want others to know they’re not alone and can get through it. My journey may have led me out of the established church and traditional faith, but it also brought a deeper connection to God, this world and all of life. I learned I had to let go of religion in order to grow my faith.

AIR: WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS? ANY UPCOMING EVENTS OR APPEARANCES THE AUDIENCE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?

MINNICH-SADLER: My future plans certainly include writing, because I feel strongly that’s what I’m supposed to do with my life. It’s a way of communicating with the greatest number of people. I believe there are many out there like me--especially the Baby Boomer generation--who struggle with faith issues and questions about God. If we can talk about it together, I think we can learn a great deal from one another. My website is relatively new but I hope it grows and that through it, I can form a connection with others who feel that they too are on a journey of spiritual growth and discovery. I’d also like to write a book about my experiences and I’ve begun work on that.

AIR: ANY LAST WORDS OF WISDOM YOU’D LIKE TO GIVE US, YOUR OWN PERSONAL QUOTE ON HAPPINESS?

MINNICH-SADLER: I believe this life has tremendous purpose and every one of us is doing the best we can to live it. If we can let go of judging one another, we might find there’s an unexpected connection that turns out to be gift. Being able to accept ourselves and others as we are while still gently encouraging one another to grow is one of the greatest blessings.

AIR: YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST ON THE AIR EQUATION, A NEW QUOTE IN THE MAKING.

MINNICH-SADLER: If I may, I’d like to add these words from Jean Vanier:

To love is not to give of your riches
but to reveal to others
their riches, their gifts, their value;
and to trust them and their
capacity to grow.

So it is important to approach people
in their brokenness--gently,
so gently,
not forcing yourself on them,
but accepting them as they are,
with humility and respect.

AIR: I’LL HAVE TO PUT JEAN VANIER ON MY READING LIST. KAREN, THANKS FOR SHARING WITH US.

IF YOU WANT TO CONTACT KAREN MINNICH-SADLER, EVEN IF YOU SIMPLY WANT TO THANK HER FOR HER WORK IN SPREADING HAPPINESS, SHE CAN BE REACHED AT HTTP://WWW.FAITHDANCE.COM.

Do you have a Happiness Hero Story to share? Do you want to increase your audience for your website? Would you or someone you know like an interview On The AIR? Email us at AIRequation@yahoo.com.

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