THE POWER OF A CHRISTIAN CAREGIVER

My mother’s behavior about a few things was changing.  The way she did things was changing and not for the better.  I noticed it, but chalked it up to her getting older. However, as time went on, it became obvious that something was “off” with her.  After more discussions, observations, and doctor visits, the diagnosis was in.  She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.

My mother was rather calm about it and dismissed it as “they don’t know what they’re talking about.”  Not me!  Oh my!  I cannot describe the shock, panic, and bewilderment that I felt.  Alzheimer’s Disease?  What does that mean for her?  How will that affect her?   What should I do to help her?  Who’s going to help me to help her?  How can I help her from a long distance?  How does she feel about this?  How can she be so calm and nonchalant?  What are her real desires regarding this?  My questions had more questions.

Are you experiencing something similar?  If so, you know that it is a very uncomfortable place.  It all boils down to fear.  Fear of the unknown.  Fear of missing out.  Fear of not being adequate in trying to care for them.  Fear of the end of life as we know it.  It also involves sadness and dismay about our loved one’s diagnosis and future.  I’ve been there.

I’ve got good news! We can walk this caregiving journey in power and victory!  When we choose to walk by faith and not by sight (or imagination), we choose to be powerful, come what may.  Here are some things that I’ve found to be true.

• I must choose to walk the path God has placed in front of me and KEEP GOING!

• A Christian Caregiver learns how to pray without ceasing.  She yearns to get to know Jesus Christ and have a closer relationship with Him.  She learns, knows, and listens for His voice.

•  A Christian Caregiver knows there is power in prayer!  Prayer is a weapon, and she knows how to use it.

• A Christian Caregiver steps out in faith when facing a need BEFORE she sees God’s response to meet her needs.  She takes a leap of faith in God.

• A Christian Caregiver is not led by her emotions. Faith is not your feelings.  It is not an emotion.

• Faith is acting like something is so, even when it is not so, in order that it might be so, simply because God said so.  We must take action that reflects our faith.

• A Christian Caregiver walks by faith, not by sight.  Her faith is accompanied by her ACTIONS.

• If a choice has to be made over a specific spiritual principle or our will, the choice has to be submission to God.   We must surrender to the will of God.  We must serve with power and humility.

Love and Blessings,