Guest post by Kathryn Cox
“Chaplains are non-denominational,” the speaker on hospice services informed us, “and they are trained to deal with people of all beliefs, not just Christians. I assure you, Jesus did not call my family!”
Her sharp words made an awkward event even more unpleasant. I took a sip of lukewarm herbal tea and sighed, reminding myself the residents at the memory care facility might burn themselves on hot drinks.
Ms. Hostile-Toward-Christ-Spokeswoman stood resolute as she continued her presentation. Praise flowed from her lips as she recounted how a local chaplain comforted her during a loss, fully aware that her family tree, she insisted, had nothing to do with the Messiah.
In all honesty, I wanted nothing more to do with the heartbreaking journey of watching my best friend decline mentally and physically. I glanced at my mom as she sat in drowsy silence to my left. She had refused to leave my side while I attended the informational meeting on end-of-life care.
Weariness weighed heavy after six years of struggling to care for my mother at home while also raising children. The decision to move her crushed my soul.
“I miss her so much!” I cried to God one afternoon. The Holy Spirit’s gentle answer surprised me.
I know.
Tears flowed. I knew God didn’t cause my mom’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease, yet if He could see my heartache, why didn’t He intervene? Mom showed many signs of unhappiness and misery while confined to a lockdown (for safety) building. I drowned in grief during each visit.
“Jesus did not call my family!” I took a gulp of tepid tea. Oh, YES, He did! At that moment, the Lord took my hand and led me up a supernatural observation tower.
I love Ms. Hostile, and I want her in My Kingdom. Nurse Sandra doesn’t know Me. Neither does the chef, Alex. Pray for them.
I now realize this difficult caregiving journey isn’t all about me and my mother. My attitude shifted as I began to intercede for Ms. Hostile-Spokeswoman and other staff who worked at the facility. Some are now reading Christ-centered articles I post on my blog site. God is not the author of dementia. Still, He calls His children to shine in the darkness so others can see His Light—Jesus!
Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too
Philippians 2:4, NLT
Kathryn Cox loves written words that point others to Jesus. Her Light Words blog, is a collection of easy-to-read and often humorous posts on “Who is God?” Despite her difficult caregiving journey, the Lord has revealed many lessons she desires to share with readers on the same heartbreaking path.
Tracy Crump dispenses hope in her award-winning book, Health, Healing, and Wholeness: Devotions of Hope in the Midst of Illness (CrossLink Publishing: 2021). A former intensive care nurse, she cared for her parents and her mother-in-law and understands both the burdens and joys of caregiving. Her devotions have been featured in Guideposts books, The Upper Room, and many other publications, and she has contributed 26 stories to Chicken Soup for the Soul® books. She also conducts writing workshops, produces a newsletter for writers, and does freelance editing. But her most important job is Grandma to five completely unspoiled grandchildren.
