I had the privilege of visiting with my dear friend’s mother, Sheila, on Saturday. She’s a remarkable woman who loves the Lord and in my opinion, everyone should meet her. Her life is a living display of what it means to trust in the Lord.

As we sat in the hospital family room, I began to think of all the trials her family has recently faced. Last year, her husband battled and beat cancer. Her daughter (who is just as much of a saint as her mother) has a life threatening heart condition and at the age of 28 had to have a pacemaker. Her grandson Micah is a miracle alone!

But the reason our visit took place in a hospital Saturday, was because her husband has been having strokes (and possible mini seizures) which started this past January. And she’s been his caregiver ever since.

I don’t know much about her situation, but I do know what it’s like to care for someone else’s most basic needs. And not just because my son has a genetic disorder; but because I watched my mom and dad do it (together) for my sister, after she was paralyzed in 1997. I’ve had observational and hands on experience since I was twelve. So I think I have some clout when I say, caregivers have the hardest job in the world. 

So how do they do an impossible job?

So how do people like Sheila do it?

How do people like my mom and dad do it?

I found some statistics at Caregiver.org and even on the CDC website. After sifting through caregiver facts about stress and burn out, I was encouraged to find that the CDC website reported, about 73% of surveyed caregivers said praying helps them cope with caregiving stress. 

Interesting fact. There are currently an estimated 66 million caregivers in our country- giving their time, resources and tears to help someone else. How encouraging to know that they make it through another day because they pray and say amen.

On my drive home from the hospital, it was by no coincidence, I heard the song,  Say Amen by Finding Favour. (PLEASE listen to it if you’ve never heard it!)

This life is a journey we walk by faith
And there will always be the mountains in our way
But right here in this moment, may our strength be renewed
As we recall what God has done and how we’ve seen Him move

If there’s anybody here who’s found Him faithful
Anybody here who knows He’s able
Say Amen
If there’s anybody here who’s seen His power
Anybody here brought through the fire
Say Amen
Anybody here found joy in the middle of sorrow
Just Say AMEN!

Sometimes through the darkness, it’s hard to see
So just be brave and follow where He leads
Greater is the one who’s in us, than he who’s in the world
So child of God remember, the battle is the Lord’s

If there’s anybody here who’s found Him faithful
Anybody here who knows He’s able
Say Amen
If there’s anybody here who’s seen His power
Anybody here brought through the fire
Say Amen
Anybody here found joy in the middle of sorrow
Peace in the storm, hope for tomorrow
And seen time and time again
Then just Say AMEN!

Even in the valley of the shadow when you feel alone in the unknown
Just say Amen, Just say Amen
Even when the storms are raging, Stand and know your not forsaken
Just say Amen, Just say Amen

Is there anybody here, Tell me is there anybody here
Come on and Say Amen

If there’s anybody here who’s seen His power
Anybody here brought through the fire
Come on and Say Amen
Anybody here found joy in the middle of sorrow
Peace in the storm, hope for tomorrow
And seen time and time again
Then just Say AMEN!

Driving home I smiled because I thought that song adequately described Sheila and her family. It also reminded me of my parents. It’s a great reminder not only for caregivers, but for ANYONE who is in the midst of a trial.

What has God brought you through in the past? Have you seen His power and found Him faithful before?? I know we have. And because He was faithful then, He will be faithful now and forever more.

Lift it up to Him and say amen!!!