Faith
As you know, being a caregiver is a big, full-time job. Caregivers are often around a lot of other people - doctors, nurses, therapists, other family members...however, caregivers often can feel very lonely.
An AARP study shows 44 million Americans suffer from lonliness. Of those, involved in the study, people who consider themselves “religious” or “spiritual” reported fewer feelings of lonliness (27%) as opposed to those who don’t (43%).
An AARP study shows 44 million Americans suffer from lonliness. Of those, involved in the study, people who consider themselves “religious” or “spiritual” reported fewer feelings of lonliness (27%) as opposed to those who don’t (43%).
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The caregiving experience can certainly be a true, pure test of faith. When a loved one is sick or hurting, it's easy to question why God would allow it to happen. Many times, caregivers come to a crossroads with their faith as part of their caregiving journey---and think about leaving their faith as they struggle to understand why. |
Research shows that those who decide to cling to their faith in the midst of crisis receive great benefits. Faith can help because it:
- is cenentered on ideals and values of compassion, hope, comfort, and peace
- offers opportunites for social interaction with others-church, galas, volunteer work
- creates a healthy routine-attending mass, observing holidays, recognizing ceremonies (baptisms, weddings)
- gives us an opportunity to serve…that AARP study found that those who don’t reach out to others run the highest risk of suffering from lonliness.
Jen's White Feather Story: An Example of the Power of Faith
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For the first time since I got that phone call from an emergency room nurse telling me that my mom suffered a massive heart attack and "she was no longer with us", I had time to sit and think about what had happened.
The viewing and funeral were over. I was back home, and it was the night before I had to go back to work. I sat in the living room and the feelings came hard and fast. Shock...disbelief...sadness...and anger. The anger took me by surprise. I am not an angry person; but I was angry...angry at God! Why did He need my mother more than I did? How could He have taken her three months before my wedding? How did He expect me to go one without her in my life? How did He expect me to be strong enough to be a role model for my three younger sisters? It was too much. I was overwhelmed. I wasn't ready for any of it. I didn't know how I was going to pull it together to return to work. The tears came. Angry tears. 
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Empowered by the anger, I began to make "demands" from God! (Looking back I still can't believe that bold attitude!) God was going to have to help me - that's all there was to it. "Fine, God," I thought to myself, "you took her, but I need her, so you're going to have to give me a sign that she's still with me in some way. I'm not ready for this. I need a sign. You must give me a sign."
The television was on across the room. I hadn't been watching it, but I glanced up during my rant, and, I'm not sure if it was a commercial, or a show, but there was a while feather floating slowly across the screen. I didn't give it any thought, but the image registered in my brain.
Cried out for the evening, I dragged myself to bed and tried to sleep. I tossed and turned. Still sad. Still angry. The next morning, I woke up, and stomped around getting ready for work. In a huff, filled with negativity, I walked out to my car, looked down, and... stuck there in the driver's side door was a big, fluffy, white feather.
Everything stopped. A rush of warmth washed over me. I noticed the bright, sunny morning. I smiled; and through tears, realized that God had answered my angry prayer. This was my sign. My mom was still with me. She would always be with me. I would be able to go on with her strength...with her love in my heart....always.
Many, many times over the years, white feathers pop up in my path when I need a hug. My kids know this story, and each one of them has come running over to me, holding a white feather saying, "she's here"!
I believe that all of us have the power to experience this kind of comfort and strength. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Don't be afraid to keep an open mind and look for signs. Cling to your faith during hard times---don't let doubt and fear make you turn away. Faith is what can help to fill that hole in your heart.
j.
The television was on across the room. I hadn't been watching it, but I glanced up during my rant, and, I'm not sure if it was a commercial, or a show, but there was a while feather floating slowly across the screen. I didn't give it any thought, but the image registered in my brain.
Cried out for the evening, I dragged myself to bed and tried to sleep. I tossed and turned. Still sad. Still angry. The next morning, I woke up, and stomped around getting ready for work. In a huff, filled with negativity, I walked out to my car, looked down, and... stuck there in the driver's side door was a big, fluffy, white feather.
Everything stopped. A rush of warmth washed over me. I noticed the bright, sunny morning. I smiled; and through tears, realized that God had answered my angry prayer. This was my sign. My mom was still with me. She would always be with me. I would be able to go on with her strength...with her love in my heart....always.
Many, many times over the years, white feathers pop up in my path when I need a hug. My kids know this story, and each one of them has come running over to me, holding a white feather saying, "she's here"!
I believe that all of us have the power to experience this kind of comfort and strength. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Don't be afraid to keep an open mind and look for signs. Cling to your faith during hard times---don't let doubt and fear make you turn away. Faith is what can help to fill that hole in your heart.
j.
