"Carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ". Galatians 6:2
Here are some things you may not know about care giving:
1. It is 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Very few breaks.
2. Most insurances pay(IF they pay)for minimal services as far as getting help/respite for caregivers. There are not many services around our area that offer FREE or low cost respite.
3. Most people who care-give spend a minimum of 1/4 of their monthly income on the person they are caring for for prescription co-pays, doctors co-pays, special diets, trips to specialists, etc.
4. After initial diagnoses, most family and friends go back to their daily lives and forget that the caregiver is still overwhelmed, financially stretched, tired and worried about their loved one.
5. Most caregivers end up sacrificing their own health because the family member in need takes A LOT of time and energy.
So, what does this have to do with you and me? OPPORTUNITY.
1. Pray this week for those you know and don't know in the River Region who give care to their special needs children/parents, etc. This is a very lonely journey sometimes for the caregivers and we, as the church, need to be ready and willing to help with tangible acts of kindness.
2. Pray for how you can serve someone you know who needs that extra support. Prayer for that person is awesome and needed, but tangible acts of kindness are very important as well.
3. Pray for your church to be sensitive to those in your congregation and community who are caregivers.
I'd like to share a personal experience with you.
My mother took care of her sister in law for many years(Aunt Jerry had early onset Altzheimer's). That was back in the 70's/80's. My aunt outlived my mother. My mother had a massive heart attack because of being stressed financially, emotionally and physically. Everyone agreed that she should have had more help. That was AFTER she died.
Why not help those we know now? Reach out to some folks this week. ASK them what they need and then do whatever you can to help meet that need.....
For ways you can minister to caregivers, email lrose@mgmbaptist.org
1. Pray this week for those you know and don't know in the River Region who give care to their special needs children/parents, etc. This is a very lonely journey sometimes for the caregivers and we, as the church, need to be ready and willing to help with tangible acts of kindness.
2. Pray for how you can serve someone you know who needs that extra support. Prayer for that person is awesome and needed, but tangible acts of kindness are very important as well.
3. Pray for your church to be sensitive to those in your congregation and community who are caregivers.
I'd like to share a personal experience with you.
My mother took care of her sister in law for many years(Aunt Jerry had early onset Altzheimer's). That was back in the 70's/80's. My aunt outlived my mother. My mother had a massive heart attack because of being stressed financially, emotionally and physically. Everyone agreed that she should have had more help. That was AFTER she died.
Why not help those we know now? Reach out to some folks this week. ASK them what they need and then do whatever you can to help meet that need.....
For ways you can minister to caregivers, email lrose@mgmbaptist.org
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