Episodes
Sunday May 21, 2023
Facing Giants
Sunday May 21, 2023
Sunday May 21, 2023
In our ongoing series of helping caregivers stay safe, we tackle fighting a battle while trying to be something we're not. Plus, we delve into five common financial missteps.
A MIINUTE FOR CAREGIVERS - When Every Day Feels Like Monday hits bookstores 5/31/20231 You can pre-order today at www.hopeforthecaregiver.com/book
Saturday Apr 01, 2023
When Words Fail
Saturday Apr 01, 2023
Saturday Apr 01, 2023
Some heartaches we face defy words - but words are not always required. In those moments, we groan, and "...grieve with those who grieve and mourn with those who mourn."
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
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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Tuesday Sep 27, 2022
Perception Isn’t Always Reality
Tuesday Sep 27, 2022
Tuesday Sep 27, 2022
While in Ghana with our prosthetic limb outreach, Standing With Hope, Gracie and I visited a church in the port city of Tema. Following the service, I met a tall, impressive man wearing a flowing white traditional costume with gold trim. With a thick English/Ghanian accent, I heard him introduce himself as “…de King,’ Amos.”
Never meeting a king, I felt a bit tongue-tied and stammered, “Sir, I apologize – I don’t know how to properly address you.”
With a huge smile, he offered in his deep voice, “Just call me “Amos.”
“Sir, I can’t just call you that,” I replied – but he graciously continued chatting. Shortly after, while attending a reception with the pastor, I exclaimed, “I just met the King!”
With a perplexed look, the pastor asked, “What King?”
“The King, Amos,” I replied.
Thinking for a minute, the pastor exploded in laughter and spoke in his native language to the room full of Ghanaians – who also started chuckling.
Sheepishly, I asked him to explain.
With his equally thick Ghanian accent, the pastor laughed and shared. “You met a church officer, ‘Dea-con’ Amos – not ‘De King,’ Amos.”
Perceptions often cloud hearing. The man looked regal – and perception allowed my ears to misinterpret. While my mistake only resulted in laughter, many misconstrued conversations can result in hurt feelings, resentment, and fractured relationships.
Caregiving breeds isolation and isolation distorts perception – which leads to significant challenges. Asking for clarification, regardless of embarrassment, always trumps misunderstanding.
Studies have shown that 90% of error in thinking is due to error in perception. - Edward de Bono
Tuesday Aug 02, 2022
A Box Of Things That God Will Have To Redeem
Tuesday Aug 02, 2022
Tuesday Aug 02, 2022
A frustration point for many family caregivers lies in unmet expectations, hopes, and dreams. We often visualize what could be – but things beyond our control are roadblocks. Ashamedly, I admit attempting control and trying to force things on more than one occasion – only to frustrate myself, my wife, and (many) others. Letting go of those hopes and expectations, however, can be painful. Over the last few years, I've tried a different approach. In my mind, I envision a rather large container I call "The Box of Things That God Will Have to Redeem."
Offloading those items, losses, heartaches, and disappointment to God reduces my angst and the potential for resentment.
For me, the box is genuine and reflects my faith that God will indeed redeem each of those things - He's better at carrying them than me. Saying that "…God will have to redeem" does not demand the Almighty to act; it simply recognizes that He alone has the power to do so. Of course, the temptation to retrieve items and stew on them often grips me. Yet I can affirm that each time I place them back in the box, I grow less tempted to dwell on them.
Letting go of what is impossible to carry helps me live more peacefully with things I can't change.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21:4 (KJV)
Monday Jun 27, 2022
Rev. Percy McCray Discusses Caring for Cancer Patients and Their Families
Monday Jun 27, 2022
Monday Jun 27, 2022
Rev. Percy McCray Jr. has spent more than 20 years ministering to cancer patients and their caregivers at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA). He recognizes cancer care ministry as a special calling from God and considers faith a key but often overlooked component of cancer treatment.
He now serves as the Director of Faith-Based Programs at CTCA® and provides leadership to the pastoral care staff at all five CTCA hospitals. In addition, Rev. McCray oversees Our Journey of Hope®, a nationwide cancer care ministry training, and support program.
An ordained minister, Rev. McCray is a member of the U.S. Chaplain Association.
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