And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.—ROMANS 5:5 (NIV)
Last year while visiting my brother, Dean, I did a two-mile walk to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research. Dean’s wife of over 50 years is suffering from the disease, and he has become an advocate for awareness and research for the Alzheimer’s Foundation.
After we finished the walk, Dean took the stage. Judy sat in a wheelchair in the front row. He talked about his journey of caring for her and the love he has for her, even though it’s no longer returned in the same way. He talked about how his faith sustained him. When I looked around at other caregivers gathered there, tears flowed freely.
After he finished, one of the attendees said, “Dean, thank you. Your talk gave me hope.” I believe his words of encouragement also gave permission to each caregiver to take care of themselves.
Lord, I’ve heard people say you won’t give us more than we can handle. I believe you give us people, like my brother, to help us along our toughest journeys in life.
So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.—Genesis 1:21 (NIV)
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.—Colossians 3:23 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.—Romans 12:2 (ESV)
