Here’s a little Friday inspiration for past, present, and future family caregivers.
Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.
Romans 12:12 CSB
This verse can seem impossible for some long-term, full-time caregivers to step into, but with God, nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37).
- Hope: If you are a believer, you can live in joyful hope. Even if we don’t always feel joyful, we always have hope.
- Patience: Because we have hope, we can find patience, a fruit of the Spirit, grown in us out of god’s love for us.
- Prayer: We pray because we believe God hears. If we believe he hears us, we hope for an answer.
God knows what we need for this caregiving journey, and we can trust Him to provide it.
The weight won’t break you even when it feels impossible
My Sister Michelle
I lost my sister on January 12, 2023; life is different now. No more doctor’s appointments, trips to the emergency room, or visiting her in a nursing hope. The all-encompassing phase of caregiving is over. Only the love remains.
“Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give, but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.” –Jamie Anderson
Maybe you are a full-time caregiver or see it in the future. That was me, too, a full-time family caregiver to my sister, who had Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s. There were days I felt emptied of hope. Impatient wasn’t the word for it, and there were times I felt all prayed out. But then, along came God again.
Really, He was always with my sister and me. On the hard days, before long, I felt that tug at my emotions and remembered God was there. Even on the days when I thought caregiving would break me and it felt like God wasn’t helping, He was always there to hold me together. God will be with you, too. Nothing is impossible with God.
For with God nothing will be impossible. – Luke 1:37 (NKJV)
Before last week’s post, I hadn’t posted here in a long time. It was a break from writing that was longer than expected but probably needed. I’m a part-time caregiver to my mom, Sylvia, who is 94 years old, so I have more time to write.
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Today, I’m sharing this on the Five Minute Friday link-up.
Click here for a great article from Crosswalk.com on what the bible says about all things being possible with God.
“Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give, but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.” –Jamie Anderson
I love this quote and know it to be true… thank you…
Lisa, I hope you found the quote comforting or, at least, a sort of explanation for what grief feels like. It sounds like you already know. Blessings to you. Thanks for visiting.
I’m so sorry for your loss, and I’m sure there are many adjustments in your life. What a comfort it is to have God’s promise to strengthen and give peace and hope when we are weary and heartbroken. Blessings to you. Visiting from FMF#13
Hi Kym. Adjustments, indeed, are the norm for caregivers. But the good Lord helps us through. Thanks for leaving this thoughtful comment.
Thank you for sharing your’s and your sister’s story with us. Thank you also for sharing the encouraging quotes and scriptures. I hope that you have a lovely weekend. I am also stopping by from Five Minute Friday.
Jolene, I’m glad you stopped by. Thanks for leaving such a nice comment.
And then one day all of the duties
are finished, gone and done.
The frustrations, tired hours and beauties
surrender to a rising sun
to give a new life definition,
but sometimes it’s too fast,
and we can’t give ourselves permission,
and hold tight to the last
remnants of the life that’s creased,
as if hard grip could make it stay.
Although it begs to be released,
we yearn to have our way,
to linger in what now is dreaming,
that time that gave us so much meaning.
Andrew, I can’t tell you how much your words comfort me today. Thank you.
Bless you, amazing lady. I’m sorry for the loss of your dear sister, Know that God wants to comfort and care for you too and will meet all of your needs. Take time to grieve. Remember to receive.
Thanks, Dawn, for your kindness. Yes, God is a true and lasting comfort.