Once again I am discovering the beauty of an ongoing blog post. In my second post, “Qualities of an Awesome Caregiver”, I neglected to mention the attribute that has always been the most vital piece for myself in my caregiving career. Since I may be going out on a limb right now for some readers, please allow me to remind you that I write from my own experience, and from 35 years of observance of family and professional caregivers.
The vital piece is a spiritual belief in a power greater than oneself, greater than your circumstances, and greater than the circumstances of your patient.
For myself, that belief is in God and in His word in the Bible. Specifically, I am a Spirit-filled Christian who believes in the Trinity of Father (God), Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit. And I try to make my life a living testimony of my personal beliefs.
Each day, whether at work or at home, I pray, asking God to be my Strength for the day and to give me Wisdom and Discernment in my work, as well as personally. And I believe that particularly during the tough times, such as end of life for a patient, that my strength and wisdom was surely powered by God and not of my own abilities, nor my own strength.
In my third post, “A Caregiver is an Advocate”, I cited Webster’s Dictionary definition of advocate. But I did not include one definition listed – that being “Intercessor”. As an active Christian for over 40 years, I have become aware that one of my spiritual gifts is in intercessory prayer. So, for me, it only made sense to use this gift in my career as a caregiver.
So, yes, most certainly I prayed for my patients. Most often that was done in my own private prayer times, before, during and after work. But I frequently prayed with my patients if they requested prayer. This act of praying with them seemed to bring them a calmness and peace.
Because I believe this is a vital piece in caregiving, I plan to set-up a section on this site in which family members/caregivers, professional caregivers, or anyone walking through a trial or storm, may post prayer requests. I will respond to each request personally, whether that be on the site or in a private email, if requested.
I do not take the gift, or “calling”, of an intercessor lightly. Those readers who know me personally will attest to that. I viewed it as a necessity in my work as a caregiver; and now I view it as a necessity here on the site. Therefore, what I will recommend temporarily (until I have the section for prayer requests set up) is that any visitor/reader may please feel free to post a prayer request in the comments section after any of my posts. I will reply, and more importantly I will most assuredly pray.
Let me be clear that what I do not intend to do is push my spiritual beliefs upon any reader; but I will offer a safe place for family and professional caregivers to come and receive support of all types, including prayer support.
Thank you for being open about what you believe in relation to caregiving. I too have been a caretaker years ago as an aide and prayer and faith were vital to my position. Recently I helped my brother care for his wife who recently passed away from Alheimer’s Disease . Prayer is what got hin through and when he could no longer find the word to pray I praye and had you and others to pray with me. And it doesn’t have to be done out loud but juzt asking your higher power who is Jesus to me to let my hands be his as I touch the patient, loved one or client. There is truly power in that prayer for me as the caregiver as I ask for help and for the one I care for.
I agree wholeheartedly, Kinny!! Thanks for praying for me in this new adventure!