I had a reflection moment today. I have a friend who recently overcame some major medical problems and now the spouse is facing some major medical issues. My friend seems to be neglecting self-care, meanwhile running on fumes to accommodate their spouse. I wanted to help, so I began praying for my friends.
Just the other day, I stopped at Dollar General, and a lady was sitting in her car looking miserable. So, when I walked by, I said you look like you’re in pain, I pray God heals you. She replied that she had just had surgery the previous day, but her husband, who needs a kidney transplant, needed some items from the store. I told her I would pray for them. I walked away thinking, she probably should not have been driving because she wasn’t well.
There are so many instances of the sick taking care of the sick. What happens when the caregiver is no longer able to provide care?
I remember when I was taking care of my dad. He was a stroke victim and he also had heart problems. I was working full-time, single mom with a newborn. I took him to one of his doctors’ appointments and the doctor noticed that I was extremely tired. He asked, what will happen to your dad and the baby if you get sick? The thought had never crossed my mind. I just assumed that I would always be healthy. We only had each other, there were no immediate family in the area to help us. I was thankful that I was working from home, but because of my schedule I would be doing IT updates during the middle of the night.
It took me a while, but I eventually made some changes. I was able to get my dad into a really nice nursing facility about 10 minutes from the house. So, I was able to drop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner to ensure he was getting the proper care. I’m not even sure if that made things better or worse because when he lived with me, I knew the type of care he was getting.
I reached a turning point when I went to a meeting in the office one day and my supervisor informed me that she wanted me back in the office to manage the team. My first thought was you’re the supervisor, what are you going to do? However, I didn’t say anything. There was no way I was going to manage the team and do night upgrades as well. So, I said ok, but when I went home and thought about it, I decided my next move.
My decision was to quit and relocate to where my family was so I could have help. I needed help with my dad as well as my daughter. My mom was retired and agreed she would help with my daughter. I spoke with my brother, and he was willing to help with our dad.
For me, asking for help was the key. What happened once I relocated? Well, that's a story for another blog.
Take your cares and concerns to the Lord. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:2-30
Provided care for your parents is great, just know when to ask for help. “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” I Timothy 5:8
When caring for others you also need rest. “And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.” Exodus 33:14
By doing these things…over time, I’ve been learning how to incorporate Christ into every area of my life.
Below are two books that God has inspired me to write. "The Flip Side" and "Blinded By Sight: The Heart Matters" both available now.
So… what’s this book about?
“The Flip Side” depicts the possible feelings and emotions of lesser-known Biblical characters as they navigated their lives in the shadows of the more popular characters in the Bible. While the Bible gives us snippets of their stories, we are usually left in the dark about their true motives, desires, and thoughts concerning the situations they are in. However, one certainty is that despite how little we know about these characters, they were often the catalysts to pivotal moments in the main characters’ lives.
So… what’s this book about?
Join me on a journey of self-discovery. “Blinded by Sight - The Heart Matters” is a compilation of short biblical devotions. These stories are not conclusive. They are depictions of how God is revealing my heart to me.
My prayer is, Lord, make it real for me, show me your heart, show me my heart, and give me the wisdom to change what hinders my relationship with you. I am learning that my perception is my biggest obstacle it affects my mind, what I think, and how I process my experiences. What I have experienced in my mind is expressed through my feelings and these experiences dictate my choices either consciously or subconsciously.
This devotional will allow you to explore and evaluate your past and present situations that have hindered you from seeing the heart of the matter. Simply put, look at the heart – it does matter. Your future depends on it!
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalms 34:4
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