This blog will always be dedicated to bring hope to caregivers; however, the current crisis over coronavirus has caused me to shift the focus to offering hope in trying times. I listened this week as people who have been forced to isolate in their homes have held virtual meetings. They spoke of frustration, loss of patience with children and fear of the uncertainties. They spoke of returning to normal again. After listening to this over and over, I decided to speak out. In one meeting I interrupted to remind them that this is what caregivers face every day. My hope is that by inviting people who simply need hope to this blog, they will catch a vision of stepping up to help caregivers when their lives return to normal. A caregiver knows that their life simply must adjust to a new normal every single day.
So for the dear caregivers out there, I will continue to be here for you. For those looking for hope, I am glad you have joined us. Feel free to read through prior posts if you want to learn a little more about care giving and the challenges caregivers face. Tips and stories are shared as well as scriptures, songs and prayers.
The world defines hope as a desire or dream. We have become so accustomed to hope being dreams of better jobs, a new car, friends, vacations, etc. These things are not bad in themselves. We must nor forget that life is so much deeper than those dreams.
For Christians hope goes so far beyond what the human mind can desire or dream of. It even goes beyond human life. God clearly tells us that each of us has an appointed time to die. As I sat by each of my parents when they transitioned from earth to heaven, I realized their hope in Christ was realized. They had no more pain, tears and suffering to endure. While I felt the pain and shed tears I also held to my hope that this was just a temporary goodbye.
We are seeing many deaths across the world at this time. People are not being given the privilege of sitting by their loved one’s side in some cases. We can find comfort in knowing that God has not forsaken them and they are not alone. Our hope in Christ reassures us that this life on earth is not our eternal life. We may see illness, suffering, heartache and disappointment but these are not forever. We just have to persevere with an unwavering faith and let the hope we have shine brightly to those needing hope!
By linking our hearts in prayer, sending words of encouragement over the phone and online, donating to food drives and standing firm in our faith, we can make it through these challenges we now face. Carving out a few minutes to just listen to God can inspire wisdom and direction on how to spark hope in someone else.
My prayers are with the families with loved ones in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and hospitals. I pray for you, your loved one and the heroes on the front lines fighting to keep them safe.
Please feel free to share comments and stories. Some may be passed along as we unite together in hope!
Word for Today
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12
Song for Today
Prayer for Today
Dear God,
Our hope is in you! We hold onto you as the world around us is shaken. We stand believing that you are our healer, provider, comforter and safe haven from the storms of life.
Amen
Walking Them Home 