Broken
Written by Donna Chacko, M.D., for Christ House, October 8, 2020

Larry Watson, a long-time addiction counselor at Christ House in D.C. has said that we are all “joined by our brokenness.”  Though it’s been ten years since I left the Christ House community, I recognize I was permanently changed by my years working as a staff physician at Christ House and at Columbia Road Health services.

Adverse Childhood Events
Written by Donna Chacko, M.D., for Christ House, August 20, 2019
Stress can devastate health. In trying to understand her patients’ stress and suffering, Donna came to learn about the interactions between mind, body, and spirit. It was after she left Christ House that she learned about Adverse Child Events or Experiences, also known as ACEs. Read more.

Choosing My Side—Divisions, Lent, and Healing
Written by Donna Chacko, M.D., for GodSpace, February 16, 2022
The last few years have left me feeling deeply distressed about the many divisions in our country and confused about my role. In this era of division, fear, and even hatred, what does Jesus want us to do?

Stop! In the Name of Love
Written by Donna Chacko, M.D., for GodSpace, May 18, 2021

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about listening and silence. I recently wrote a blog post about listening and soon thereafter attended a weekend silent retreat. I’ve concluded that listening and silence are complementary—they thrive together. When we prioritize silence we can intentionally listen to God, ourselves, and others and, in this way, create a sacred space where love blooms. When we embrace silence and listening, we love.

Finding Serenity and Health During a Pandemic
Written By Donna Chacko, M.D., for GodSpace, June 10, 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic has created stress, suffering, and uncertainty for all of us. I suspect we’ve all experienced what happens when we stay up in our heads endlessly searching for answers to the many unanswerable questions of our day —it feels lousy and creates stress. My message is that there are steps you can take to feel better,  reduce your stress, and be closer to God, as a package deal.

Knowing God’s Will During the Covid-19 Crisis
Written By Donna Chacko, M.D., for GodSpace, April 28, 2020

Finite vs. Infinite:  What does the mismatch of our timeline with God’s have to do with knowing God’s will during the Covid-19 crisis? Read more.

Fire Power
Written By Donna Chacko, M.D., for GodSpace, February 19, 2020

We can give space and time to God and practice opening ourselves by listening, by waiting, and by relishing sacred silence. We can stand up tall, smile, and then take deep breaths so as to  consciously draw in the Holy Spirit. Whether we do this in dedicated prayer time, walking, or while washing the dishes matters not. The Spirit is always ready for fire power. Read more.

Grateful for a Second Chance
Written by Donna Chacko, M.D., for GodSpace, November 21, 2019
Donna shares the profound gratitude that she witnessed as a doctor at Christ House in Washington, D.C.,  a medical recovery facility for the homeless. Read more.