When you took in a stranger
ROCHESTER, Minn. — Creaky stairs. Wooden floors. To Lee Jamieson…
Editorial: A salute to caregivers
‘Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’ (Matthew 11:28)
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John and Jane with their four kids in tow enter the sanctuary and settle in a pew, preparing for worship. By the second hymn, several congregants gaze at the family, noticeably agitated by the sounds and stimming generated from one of the children. Jane hurriedly exits the pew and escorts their 4-year-old son to the nursery. He has nonverbal autism.
Seated on the opposite side of the auditorium is Elder Smith. He usually greets everyone with a hearty handshake and a quick smile that reaches his eyes. But as the congregation sings “This World Is Not My Home,” the words take on a different meaning as tears well up in his eyes. His devoted wife of 52 years is in the final stages of hospice care after a long battle with cancer.
Debra Lawrence, a house manager with Hands of Compassion, opens the door for De Coco and her husband. Read Bobby Ross Jr.’s story about the caregiving ministry.
Elsewhere in the crowd is Betty, a wife and mother of two children away at college. She makes a last-minute decision to stay and enjoy the potluck meal after worship service. She has no idea just how much she needs this reprieve. Her father has Alzheimer’s disease and moved into her home three months ago. Betty and her husband are depleted from juggling their careers and tending to her father. Once home, Betty sits in her car in the driveway for several minutes, asking God to give her the strength to make it through the rest of the day.
These composite sketches give a snapshot of the day-to-day realities our Christian sisters and brothers face as caregivers. Week after week, they occupy pews right next to us. But far too often, we are oblivious to the herculean efforts they put forth to come and worship God alongside us.
Related: When you took in a stranger
Such caregivers are the unsung heroes in our society, and we should all hold them in high esteem. Just like military soldiers, they are selfless and dedicated, always ready to serve to their loved ones. A day in the life of a caregiver is demanding, full of challenges and frustrations. Yet without complaint, they quietly roll up their sleeves and simply do what needs to be done.
Paul instructed the churches of Galatia, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). So what good can we as Christians do to show our love and appreciation for caregivers?
Helen Mulaparthi enjoys a laugh with Rhonda Fernandez as Frances Zorn watches. Fernandez cared for her parents, Frances and Jack Zorn, before their deaths in 2017 and 2021. Read Bobby Ross Jr.’s story on Fernandez’s experience.
Most caregivers are humble and low-key and will not readily express their needs or wants. Therefore, our approach in assisting them should be anticipatory and creative.
We can prepare meals for the caregiver and their family or have meals delivered to their home. We can offer to sit with their ailing loved one at home or in the hospital so the caregiver can enjoy rest and relief. We can surprise them by sending a gift card from a store or making a nice basket of their favorite things. We certainly can pray for caregivers and their families on a daily basis.
Caregivers, we love you and salute you. Remember that God is watching over you.
Your names are written in the Book of Life.
TRINDI G. MITCHELL is a member of The Christian Chronicle’s Editorial Board. She attends the Henry Street Church of Christ in Gadsden, Ala., and is a Sunday school teacher, writer and mother of two children. Contact [email protected].
