Episodes
Friday Dec 09, 2022
Colleen Swindoll Thompson Shares How She Reframed The Caregiving Journey
Friday Dec 09, 2022
Friday Dec 09, 2022
Colleen Swindoll Thompson's caregiving journey has included abuse, sexual trauma, and physical, emotional, and cognitive disabilities. Through it all, she's learned to run to Christ and anchor herself in God's faithfulness and provision - while helping her family and others do the same.
See more at her website: Reframingministries.com
Tuesday Nov 29, 2022
Airports, Doctors, and Other Caregiver Hazards
Tuesday Nov 29, 2022
Tuesday Nov 29, 2022
Tips on reducing the drama when flying or dealing with doctors.
www.hopeforthecaregiver.com
Wednesday Oct 19, 2022
Quieten The Room
Wednesday Oct 19, 2022
Wednesday Oct 19, 2022
"We've done everything possible to save this leg, all that's left is amputation – when you're ready, we'll have that conversation."
Those words came from Gracie's surgeon, following numerous operations to save her right leg - crushed and disfigured in her 1983 car accident. Everyone in Gracie's life, including me, had an opinion about this – and Gracie understandably struggled mightily during this time. At twenty-five, with a toddler, the decision weighed heavily on her young heart.
Setting an appointment with our pastor, Bob, she limped into his office on her mangled right foot. As she sat quietly in his study, he stated, "Gracie, this room is off-limits to every other voice telling you what to do. My job is to help quieten the noise so you can hear your heart – and God's leading.”
Gracie pondered for more than an hour while Pastor Bob sat at his desk – no words passed between them. Finally, Gracie looked up with tear-filled eyes and said, "I'm terrified of doing this," she whispered. Gaining strength, she continued, "But I can't live this way any longer – it's got to come off."
Nodding somberly, he assured Gracie he'd be with her through the ordeal – and he kept his word.
Sometimes the greatest gift we can give to others struggling with heartbreaking decisions is to clear the room, quieten the noise, and sit with them. Most know what needs to be done, but need a quiet place to process the fear and heartache – while assured that they’re not alone.
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on your side; bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
leave to your God to order and provide; in ev'ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; your best, your heav’nly friend through thorny ways leads to a joyful end. – Kathrina von Schlegel
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Friday Oct 07, 2022
Coin of the Realm
Friday Oct 07, 2022
Friday Oct 07, 2022
In this episode from our 10/1/2022 broadcast, I tackle something that's been on my mind for many years - chronic pain and my view of God.
In America, the "coin of the realm" is the dollar. Metaphorically, in Washington DC, the currency - the coin of the realm - is power. In LA, it's fame - but what is the coin of the realm in God's economy? What has value to God - and how does it relate to us as family caregivers?
Wednesday Sep 21, 2022
Hope for the Caregiver Broadcast 09-17-2022
Wednesday Sep 21, 2022
Wednesday Sep 21, 2022
From our nationally syndicated broadcast for family caregivers 09-17-2022
For more, visit www,hopeforthecaregiver.com
Tuesday Sep 13, 2022
Fly The Plane and Work The Problem
Tuesday Sep 13, 2022
Tuesday Sep 13, 2022
Fly the Plane. Work the Problem
Several pilots I know express a standard command often given to less experienced pilots.
"Fly the plane, work the problem."
The context involves pilots who fixate on a problem like a storm, console light, or other issues. Riveting one's eyes on a single point to the exclusion of the bigger picture can quickly result in disastrous outcomes – especially when piloting an aircraft. The crash of Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 on December 29, 1972, caused 101 fatalities. An investigation revealed that the cockpit crew fixated on a burned-out landing gear light while failing to recognize the disengaged autopilot.
Locking in on one issue while dangerously losing perspective is not exclusive to pilots. Caregivers frequently spiral out of control while arguing with an impairment like Alzheimer's disease, alcoholism, or addiction – all of which easily overpower a caregiver and divert eyes from "flying the plane."
Our responsibility as caregivers is to see the bigger picture when our loved ones can't. Just like every passenger in the plane depends on the pilot not losing focus, so do all who rely upon us as caregivers.
While no one would think of handing over a plane to an untrained individual, caregiving sadly serves as the ultimate "on-the-job training" environment. Even the best of caregivers discover they are outmatched and ill-prepared. That's why each of us requires regular reminders to keep calm - and "fly the plane, work the problem."
"Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you." - Proverbs 4:25
Wednesday Sep 07, 2022
A Funny Thing Happened At the Doctor’s Office
Wednesday Sep 07, 2022
Wednesday Sep 07, 2022
You ever struggled to hold your tongue while answering questions at the doctor's office?
Gracie's been treated by more than 100 physicians - and we've had our share of exasperating and hilarious moments. In this episode from the broadcast, I share one that fits both categories!
Then I follow it up with the 3 P's to use when dealing with physicians.
For more, visit www.hopeforthecaregiver.com