Faith in Caregiving: Finding God's Love and Care
In her Faith and Caregiving post this month, Veronica Badowski reminds us all of the importance of seeking support for caregivers includes leaning on our faith and accepting that we, too, are human.
In her Faith and Caregiving post this month, Veronica Badowski reminds us all of the importance of seeking support for caregivers includes leaning on our faith and accepting that we, too, are human. I am blessed to have Veronica Badowski, author of,Treading Water with God, Lessons in Love While Care Giving, to be a regular contributor for this site. I hope you will find her posts inspiring and comforting.
BIBLE REFLECTION
Romans 8:31-32 (GNT)
“…If God is for us, who can be against us? Certainly not God, who did not even keep back his own Son, but offered him for us all! He gave us his Son—will he not also freely give us all things?”
What comfort do you find in the above verse?
MEDITATION
God was always reminding me to think positively, but too often, I yearned for immediate freedom from care giving. This impatient thinking only made me feel miserable, selfish, and depressed. When I thought about my desire to love my parents and serve God, I was able to reset my mood and enthusiasm returned. Once again, I was able to experience peace, trusting this was where the Lord wanted me to be right now.
Our Heavenly Father loves to hear our prayers, loves for us to just be in His presence asking for wisdom, strength, enthusiasm, and peace. He gave us His Son to die on a cross for the forgiveness of our sins. This proves He loves and cares for us; surely, He is more than willing to supply all our daily needs. Let us thank and praise Him often for His faithfulness.
YOUR JOURNAL
Today, write a thank you note to God who is supplying your needs?
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father in Heaven, I praise you for Your unconditional love and give thanks for the times You bless me with positive thoughts and enthusiasm for my work as a caregiver. May I always remember that You are just a prayer away. Amen
Above is from the book, Holding One With God, by Veronica Kelly Badowski
The Importance of Faith in Caregiving
Caregiving is a deeply rewarding and loving journey, but it can also be filled with stress and anxiety. Family caregivers often worry about how they can physically and financially support their aging loved ones. Similarly, older adults may experience concerns as their lives change and they fear becoming a burden to others.
To find strength and make the most of the caregiving journey, it's crucial for family caregivers to find an outlet. For many, faith becomes that outlet. While discussing faith, religion, and spirituality, it's important to acknowledge that they reflect individualized beliefs. Some individuals find comfort in belonging to a faith community, while others explore spirituality in their own unique ways.
Despite these differences, faith and spirituality have positive effects that span across individuals. As we age, our faith and spirituality tend to grow stronger, whether it's due to personal experiences or having more time for reflection. Research shows that spirituality and religion can slow cognitive decline in older adults with dementia, improve physical health by reducing the risk of heart disease and hypertension, and facilitate the development of coping strategies. Moreover, faith provides a sense of community, offering a connection to others that can alleviate feelings of social isolation.
Overall, faith and spirituality play significant roles in enhancing the well-being of caregivers and older adults alike, fostering resilience, and promoting a sense of belonging.
A Prayer for Strength
Dear God,
In this prayer, I humbly seek Your divine tranquility to strengthen me as a caregiver. The health situation of my loved one appears utterly hopeless, weighing heavily on my heart. I implore You to envelop me in Your peaceful presence and grant me unyielding hope. Each passing day, as I witness my loved one's sorrowful state, my soul feels fragile against the weight of despair. Lord, just as You commanded the waves with authority, I beseech You to speak to my spirit and bless me with the unparalleled tranquility that only You can bestow. With utmost sincerity, Amen.
Other Books By Veronica Badowski are
God Thoughts for Busy People 365 days of Meditation
Treading Water with God, Lessons in Love While Caregiving
Our Resources section can help you find the information and tools that you need. We have courses, videos, checklists, guidebooks, cheat sheets, how-to guides and more.
You can get started by clicking on the link below. We know that taking care of a loved one is hard work, but with our help you can get the support that you need.
Click here to go to Resources Section now!
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