The Lord is personally pointing me in a new direction. In the past few years, my troubled thoughts have entered my mind regarding the pursuit of publishing and caring for Mom. Both daunting tasks cause defeated thinking unless I’m proactively pressing forward.
The call to publish lingered until I leaped into the journey. Cultural sock and imposter syndrome loomed large, but I could not turn back once I started walking this new path. I’ve prayed, shed tears, and felt intimidated by those who know far more than me. I’m a small-town girl who is unqualified according to this world’s standards.
And then came the call to caregiving, which added more stress to my life. With a promise that God would take care of me and Mom, I surrendered. Moving mom caused confusion, aggression, and weeping. Mom’s running away, fighting everything we tried to implement, and our lack of sleep took a toll on my body, soul, and mind. I felt like a prisoner in my own home. Again, this care required pressing forward without turning back. We pushed for a better diet, mood medicines, and equipment and hired caregivers once we attained Choices. In my case, God called the unqualified and made things work for our good and His glory.
My mindset has changed, and Mom and I are calmer and more settled than ever. God is requiring more by compelling my obedience to Philippians 4:4-9. I’m applying this in every area, beginning with caring for my mom. I aim to practice this scripture until it permeates my being in every area of my life, from marriage to family, church family, ministry, publishing, and caregiving.
I desire always to rejoice. This will be accomplished by declaring that the Lord is with Mom and me and that I choose not to worry but to ask for our needs through prayer and supplication. With thankfulness, I decide to make my requests known to God. I’m thankful for his presence and provision for this journey. This brings the peace of God that passes human understanding and keeps my heart and mind.
The truth is God loves us; honestly, He’s faithful and right for allowing dementia to touch our lives, and His motives are pure. Mom is a lovely lady with a sweet smile and beautiful gray hair, and I report that God provides all I need to care for her.
We have good insurance, caregiving help, and supplies through Choices of Tennessee. Others have ordered mom supplies or given money to help with her needs. I praise God for Mom’s beautiful room filled with her being, family photos, supplies, clothing, and her hospital bed. My life is forever changed, and my walk is deeper. I am dedicated to serving no matter how difficult the call.
I share these truths not for my glory but for God’s glory. He gives us His truth to live through Him. I think obeying the Scriptures works.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8
I caught the writing bug during COVID, when I had just moved back to my home state of Oregon. I envisioned reconnection and a great place to retire. We had no more got there, when my younger sister died very un-expectedly. My husband quickly decided he didn’t like Oregon, and was very vocal about it.
The church we attended was just starting a Writer’s Group, and I decided that would be a good place to try to write about my many travels, to in some way explain to my adult sons where I had been the last 30 years of my life. I had no big writing goals, just thoughts I wanted to share. The Writer’s Group opened my eyes to so much more, and writing turned into a therapy of sorts for me. I moved to TN in November of 2023, not knowing anyone, but satisfying my husband’s desire to move.
Since we arrived, he has developed many health issues, and I find myself a caregiver. Not the life I planned. Like you, so many things have happened that seemed more than I could bear, but the Lord has been so faithful to me. Without my relationship with Him, I would be a bitter, complaining woman. But I know from the bottom of my heart, He has a plan for my life, and He will use it for His purposes. And He is giving me opportunities beyond my imagination to serve Him. You continue to be in my prayers.
I’m sorry to hear of your challendges and I relate to your story. When I decided to write many obstacles arose. I’m in Tennessee too! Im in a small town located between Nashville and Knoxville but a bit north.
I live in Jamestown…
“…permeates my being in every area of my life.” I feel your resolve and have no doubt you will carry it out.
Blessings to you and your mom and thanks for what you are teaching me.
I’m amazed how powerful and life-changing God’s Word can be when accepted and applied. He’s good to leave us His truth to live by. Thank you for the words of confidence and blessings.