As we honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are inspired to reflect on the content of his character within our daily work — service, equality, love, selflessness, and dignity. The staff of Our Lady of Peace strives daily to show love, kindness, and empathy with lazar focus on our mission of providing compassionate care with dignity.
There are beliefs and quotes from Dr. King that resonate with us and correspond with the work we do. We would like to share them with you.
Dr. King sought equal rights and fair treatment for all people
So did our founders, the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne. Based on this belief, we provide hospice care at no cost to anyone who needs it, regardless of circumstance.
Dr. King said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
The Gifts of Hospice include love, forgiveness, thanks, and permission to let go. These four expressions of caring are a guide for love and forgiveness as families say their final goodbyes.
Dr. King said, “We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.”
As one of the gifts of hospice, forgiveness may be the hardest, but nevertheless the most important one. Our chaplains help families work towards forgiveness and reconciliation.
Dr. King said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'”
Over 100 volunteers give to Our Lady of Peace staff, patients, and families. From serving meals to sitting at the bedside of hospice patients, they give their time to others.
Dr. King said, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”
Those who say goodbye to loved ones at Our Lady of Peace grieve their loss, but with the help of their family and our grief support team, they find the hope they need to move forward.
Dr. King said, “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality.”
Showing unconditional love is important for our staff, patients, and loved ones in our care. And in countless final moments, we see that love is truly the final word.
Dr. King said, “Everybody can be great … because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
Serving patients and families with love and grace is a core value of everyone who works at
Our Lady of Peace.
Thank you, Dr. King, for continuing to inspire people with your words and your legacy.