"Cast your burden on the Lord [release it] and He will sustain and uphold you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip, fall, fail)."--Psalm 55:22 (AMP)
When I was a young teenager in the 1980s, my great-grandfather came to live with us as he was no longer able to live independently or care for himself. He lived with us for many years, and throughout that time my parents lovingly cared for him. Towards the end of his life, he battled with Alzheimer's, and required an even greater level of care. My parents stepped up to the plate in selfless efforts to continue to love, care for, and honor "Grand-Pop".
I can remember one cold winter day, unbeknownst to our family, Grand-Pop had wandered outside in pajamas and an overcoat--barefoot. When a kind neighbor brought him back home, Grand-Pop was furious that we had made him miss his plane! Can you imagine the distress, panic, and anxiety my parents felt? Even my sister and I were alarmed and shaken by the incident.
In retrospect, caring for an elderly man with Alzheimer's disease was a daunting and overwhelming responsibility for a young couple with children. But, they did it to the best of their ability and without complaint. The duality of care is ironic--the one who is providing the care, support, comfort, and help is often consumed with "care"--worry, angst, stress, anxiety, and concern.
If you are a caregiver, I applaud you for your efforts. It can be a thankless, often lonely job. May I encourage you with the word of God? If you are consumed with worry, stress, and exhaustion--I have good news for you today! If you are feeling isolated and alone--I have good news for you today! God is concerned about caregivers. He is The Master Caregiver. He will give you what you need as you endeavor to care for your loved one. And, He also wants you to take care of YOU!
Here are some CARE suggestions for you:
1. Pray
2. Meditate on God's word
3. Talk to someone your trust--it's okay to communicate your needs and thoughts.
4. Take care of you--it's okay, and necessary, to take care of yourself.
5. Ask for help
6. Journal
7. Laugh!
8. Utilize reliable and trustworthy respite services
9. Give yourself permission to do something you enjoy--jog, run, take a walk, read a book, sip on a cup of tea, watch the sunset
10. Avoid isolation; find a support group for caregivers in your area--many at local churches.
Prayer for Caregivers:
Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for every caregiver who is endeavoring to provided godly, loving care to someone in need. Thank you for their sacrifice and selflessness. Thank you for your promise to sustain and uphold them. I decree your word over their lives now, that they will never be shaken, that they will never slip, fall, or fail. I thank you that your grace is sufficient and that your power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). I pray that your joy would be their fortified place (Nehemiah 8:10).
In Jesus' name, Amen and so be it according to the word of God!
I can remember one cold winter day, unbeknownst to our family, Grand-Pop had wandered outside in pajamas and an overcoat--barefoot. When a kind neighbor brought him back home, Grand-Pop was furious that we had made him miss his plane! Can you imagine the distress, panic, and anxiety my parents felt? Even my sister and I were alarmed and shaken by the incident.
In retrospect, caring for an elderly man with Alzheimer's disease was a daunting and overwhelming responsibility for a young couple with children. But, they did it to the best of their ability and without complaint. The duality of care is ironic--the one who is providing the care, support, comfort, and help is often consumed with "care"--worry, angst, stress, anxiety, and concern.
If you are a caregiver, I applaud you for your efforts. It can be a thankless, often lonely job. May I encourage you with the word of God? If you are consumed with worry, stress, and exhaustion--I have good news for you today! If you are feeling isolated and alone--I have good news for you today! God is concerned about caregivers. He is The Master Caregiver. He will give you what you need as you endeavor to care for your loved one. And, He also wants you to take care of YOU!
Here are some CARE suggestions for you:
1. Pray
2. Meditate on God's word
3. Talk to someone your trust--it's okay to communicate your needs and thoughts.
4. Take care of you--it's okay, and necessary, to take care of yourself.
5. Ask for help
6. Journal
7. Laugh!
8. Utilize reliable and trustworthy respite services
9. Give yourself permission to do something you enjoy--jog, run, take a walk, read a book, sip on a cup of tea, watch the sunset
10. Avoid isolation; find a support group for caregivers in your area--many at local churches.
Prayer for Caregivers:
Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for every caregiver who is endeavoring to provided godly, loving care to someone in need. Thank you for their sacrifice and selflessness. Thank you for your promise to sustain and uphold them. I decree your word over their lives now, that they will never be shaken, that they will never slip, fall, or fail. I thank you that your grace is sufficient and that your power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). I pray that your joy would be their fortified place (Nehemiah 8:10).
In Jesus' name, Amen and so be it according to the word of God!
