Spirituality means many different things to different people and yet there is a commonality to all spiritual beliefs - a "highest common denominator." That common denominator is a need for connectedness. It is through connectedness and relationships that we find meaning in life. In isolation there is torment, fear and the most horrific acts are committed. When we are connected joy is multiplied and sorrow divided. The most meaningful, inspiring and heroic acts are relationship-affirming acts of connectedness. 

In referring to Jesus as the Word, "The Word was with God and the Word was God and the Word became flesh," we see a profound, relationship-affirming act of connectedness. God forever confirms his relationship with humanity by willingly taking on human form and physically becoming one with us. The only more profound act is the crucifixion in which Jesus gives his life to restore the broken relationship with humanity. The law of God is summarized in two relationship-affirming mandates - love God and love each other. The essence of spirituality is connectedness. In the biblical creation account God said, "It is not good for man to be alone" and created the first family, establishing and ordaining the institution of marriage as a building block for society. God's distaste for divorce, expressed in several biblical passages, is a distaste for the isolation, pain and disconnectedness that comes from broken relationships. 

There is now an abundance of research demonstrating the health benefits of marriage, a rich social network and spiritual beliefs. Those who are isolated and disconnected tend to suffer greater and more frequent health problems. Healing occurs more easily in the context of connectedness and relationships. Without connectedness infants fail to thrive and widows or widowers lose the will to live. From the cradle to the grave we cry out for connectedness, especially when we feel ill or vulnerable. The adage that "there are no atheists in fox holes" recognizes the human cry for connectedness during difficult times. In a health care organization with Christian roots we should recognize that the patients we serve are in their foxholes of illness longing for greater connectedness and for caring relationships as well as for restoration of health. If as an organization we can promote relationship-affirming acts of connectedness we will be true to our mission and ministry of healing. 

It is one thing to talk about this but quite another to do it. Just as the Word became flesh our words must become flesh when we interact with patients and with each other. If we can highlight, showcase, promote and reward specific examples of how these words are made flesh in our organization it will inspire us all to reach for this high standard. When our words become flesh through relationship-affirming acts of connectedness our organization will be transformed into a healing environment that both employees and patients will cherish.