The coronavirus pandemic has caused us all to view isolation more personally. But the stories I hate reading the most are the ones of families separated from the their loved ones in a hospital setting. When we take a loved one to the hospital, our emotions are already on a rollercoaster. To be unable to walk through those doors with them, unable to hold their hand or sit by their side, unable to advocate for them with medical staff is a reality that just makes my heart sink in my chest. It is the absolute worst. The sick person left to travel their journey alone inside the hospital and the caregiver is left outside, helpless to help when they want to help the most. They are cut-off and relegated to the role of “visitor.” Caregivers are so much more than that!

Caregivers have their own unique stories. They have emotions that are unique and fears that are unique and needs that are unique. Let’s not forget the Caregivers when we talk about living with chronic illness. They are quite literally the hands and feet of Jesus and we cannot make it through crisis without them.

Today, I have for you TWO video interviews for Caregivers. If you have a loved one living with chronic illness or a friend in crisis, we love you, and these interviews are for you.

“It’s horrific. … It’s like I’ve lost my partner because I would talk to him… he’s the one I would go to with, ‘Am I making the right choice?’ And I really can’t. It’s definitely been the grief of wanting to tell him something and knowing that he can’t really understand it. It’s a lot of grief.” - Amanda Taylor

Amanda is a full-time caregiver for her husband who had a sudden stroke and whose recovery has been complicated by severe secondary wounds.

We talk about:

• God’s providence in a crisis

• How laughter is the best medicine

• Handling the constant question: Am I doing enough?

• How friends can support the Caregiver.

• Caregiver guilt about taking breaks for self-care

Links from our chat:

Ianacare app for Caregivers.

Negative Space Life

I laid on your couch in your family room and I was just crying out to God but I didn’t even really have words. I just remembered that song… there’s a lyric in it, “When the night is holding on to you, God is holding on.” That was just in my head. I didn’t even have words to know how to pray for you or Chris, my grief was just big but I knew God was present.” - Nancy Christiansen

One my BFF's, Nancy played an important role in supporting my family through my lung crisis.

We chat about:

• God's hope and peace in crisis

• Knowing your best role as a supporting friend

• How to work as a team with other friends of your friend

• Finding your own support network as you support your friend.

The song Nancy mentioned is called King of My Heart. Here’s a link.

I’ve got 17 Quick Resources to encourage you.

These articles and podcasts will take you from discouraged to hopeful in 0-30 minutes (depending on what you pick).

I’ve been where you are. These resources helped me, I know they will help you find hope, right now.