1 00:00:02,720 --> 00:00:03,520 Speaker 1: Life audio. 2 00:00:05,040 --> 00:00:08,799 Speaker 2: Caring for others is one of the most beautiful expressions 3 00:00:08,840 --> 00:00:12,000 Speaker 2: of christ like love, yet it can also be one 4 00:00:12,000 --> 00:00:14,480 Speaker 2: of the most challenging. Whether someone is caring for an 5 00:00:14,480 --> 00:00:18,680 Speaker 2: aging parent, a chronically ill spouse, a child with special needs, 6 00:00:18,920 --> 00:00:23,200 Speaker 2: or a friend struggling through a difficult diagnosis, caregivers often 7 00:00:23,400 --> 00:00:29,600 Speaker 2: experience emotional fatigue, compassion overload, and spiritual depletion. In honor 8 00:00:29,640 --> 00:00:33,680 Speaker 2: of National Caregivers Day today, on your Hope Field perspective, 9 00:00:34,080 --> 00:00:38,120 Speaker 2: we are shining upright light and honoring a spotlight on 10 00:00:38,440 --> 00:00:43,520 Speaker 2: caregivers who quietly pour out strength and tenderness day after day. 11 00:00:43,680 --> 00:00:47,199 Speaker 2: If you are a caregiver who feels seen and unseen 12 00:00:47,360 --> 00:00:50,640 Speaker 2: all at once, this conversation is for you. Welcome to 13 00:00:50,680 --> 00:00:53,360 Speaker 2: your Hope Field perspective, where it's always our goal to 14 00:00:53,440 --> 00:00:56,760 Speaker 2: restore hope, renew minds, and empower listeners to live in 15 00:00:56,800 --> 00:00:59,960 Speaker 2: their God given identity. I'm your host, doctor Michelle Banks, 16 00:01:00,000 --> 00:01:05,160 Speaker 2: and board certified clinical neuropsychologist, author, speaker, and fellow journeyman 17 00:01:05,400 --> 00:01:10,320 Speaker 2: on this trek to emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness. I'm 18 00:01:10,360 --> 00:01:12,920 Speaker 2: delighted you've chosen to spend a few minutes of your 19 00:01:12,920 --> 00:01:16,120 Speaker 2: week with us. Today, my co host Jessica Van Rochel 20 00:01:16,280 --> 00:01:19,959 Speaker 2: and I are going to talk about honoring caregivers, how 21 00:01:20,000 --> 00:01:24,800 Speaker 2: to find strength, rest, and renewal when you're constantly pouring out. 22 00:01:25,040 --> 00:01:27,720 Speaker 2: We'll dive into that right after this brief word from 23 00:01:27,720 --> 00:01:33,760 Speaker 2: our sponsor, welcome back. In this episode, we want to 24 00:01:33,840 --> 00:01:38,440 Speaker 2: acknowledge the deep emotional and spiritual cost that comes with caregiving, 25 00:01:38,640 --> 00:01:42,800 Speaker 2: whether it's caring for children, spouses, parents, or someone else. 26 00:01:43,200 --> 00:01:48,480 Speaker 2: Many caregivers love fiercely, yet carry silent burdens. They often 27 00:01:48,520 --> 00:01:51,520 Speaker 2: neglect their own rest while tending to the needs of others. 28 00:01:51,880 --> 00:01:58,400 Speaker 2: They juggle responsibilities, appointments, medications, medical decisions, financial pressures, and 29 00:01:58,480 --> 00:02:02,280 Speaker 2: emotional strain until their own soul feels freed. If that 30 00:02:02,480 --> 00:02:06,760 Speaker 2: describes you, know that God sees every moment of sacrifice. 31 00:02:06,920 --> 00:02:11,000 Speaker 2: He understands every tear cried in private. He knows how 32 00:02:11,080 --> 00:02:13,680 Speaker 2: heavy this calling can feel. Whether you are in a 33 00:02:13,800 --> 00:02:17,760 Speaker 2: short term caregiving season or you've been carrying the responsibility 34 00:02:17,800 --> 00:02:21,640 Speaker 2: for years, we want to help you find strength, rest, 35 00:02:21,880 --> 00:02:25,040 Speaker 2: and spiritual renewal. I want to encourage you that Isaiah 36 00:02:25,160 --> 00:02:29,120 Speaker 2: forty twenty nine assures us that He gives strength to 37 00:02:29,160 --> 00:02:33,160 Speaker 2: the weary and increases the power of the week, my friend, 38 00:02:33,200 --> 00:02:35,959 Speaker 2: that is for you. Today we are talking about caregiving, 39 00:02:36,120 --> 00:02:40,480 Speaker 2: the silent weight it carries, and how God offers real 40 00:02:40,560 --> 00:02:43,959 Speaker 2: strength to those who are worn down from continually pouring 41 00:02:44,000 --> 00:02:47,120 Speaker 2: out Jessica, I know that this topic is going to 42 00:02:47,120 --> 00:02:48,840 Speaker 2: touch many hearts. 43 00:02:48,639 --> 00:02:52,360 Speaker 1: It truly does. This topic is powerful because so many 44 00:02:52,360 --> 00:02:56,880 Speaker 1: people listening either our caregivers, have been caregivers, or will 45 00:02:56,960 --> 00:03:01,720 Speaker 1: be caregivers in the future. The numbers are sobering. Research 46 00:03:01,880 --> 00:03:05,280 Speaker 1: from the National Alliance for Caregiving reports that more than 47 00:03:05,400 --> 00:03:11,000 Speaker 1: fifty three million Americans currently serve as caregivers in some capacity. 48 00:03:11,880 --> 00:03:17,600 Speaker 1: That is one in five adults. The majority provide unpaid care, 49 00:03:18,160 --> 00:03:21,760 Speaker 1: and on average, they spend over twenty hours a week 50 00:03:21,880 --> 00:03:26,160 Speaker 1: supporting a loved one. For many, it becomes a second 51 00:03:26,240 --> 00:03:33,399 Speaker 1: full time job. Caregivers give so much of themselves physically, emotionally, mentally, 52 00:03:33,440 --> 00:03:36,720 Speaker 1: and spiritually. They are often the first to show up 53 00:03:37,040 --> 00:03:40,680 Speaker 1: and the last to stop serving. They walk into some 54 00:03:40,720 --> 00:03:44,520 Speaker 1: of the hardest seasons of loved ones and remain present 55 00:03:44,600 --> 00:03:48,720 Speaker 1: with compassion. Yet they are also some of the most 56 00:03:48,960 --> 00:03:52,600 Speaker 1: exhausted people walking into church or home at the end 57 00:03:52,680 --> 00:03:53,160 Speaker 1: of the day. 58 00:03:54,320 --> 00:03:57,320 Speaker 2: That is so true. I've seen many walk through the 59 00:03:57,320 --> 00:03:59,800 Speaker 2: doors of my private practice. I've been in a caure 60 00:04:00,000 --> 00:04:04,160 Speaker 2: giving season before, and as a neuropsychologist, I have seen 61 00:04:04,320 --> 00:04:08,800 Speaker 2: countless caregivers who reach a point of burnout because their 62 00:04:08,840 --> 00:04:13,520 Speaker 2: own emotional and spiritual needs often remain unmet. They want 63 00:04:13,560 --> 00:04:17,839 Speaker 2: to do everything well, and they often feel guilty even 64 00:04:17,960 --> 00:04:22,320 Speaker 2: thinking about rest. Yet God created rest not as a luxury, 65 00:04:22,560 --> 00:04:27,080 Speaker 2: but as a divine necessity. He invites caregivers to receive 66 00:04:27,360 --> 00:04:31,479 Speaker 2: the strength they need directly from His presence and Jessica. 67 00:04:31,520 --> 00:04:34,880 Speaker 2: What surprises a lot of people is that caregivers often 68 00:04:35,000 --> 00:04:39,000 Speaker 2: experience worse physical and emotional health than the person they 69 00:04:39,040 --> 00:04:45,559 Speaker 2: are caring for. Studies consistently show that caregivers are more 70 00:04:45,760 --> 00:04:52,320 Speaker 2: likely to experience chronic stress, anxiety, sleep disruption, weakened immune functioning, 71 00:04:52,560 --> 00:04:57,960 Speaker 2: and long term health decline. In fact, caregivers who support 72 00:04:58,000 --> 00:05:02,599 Speaker 2: a spouse with dementia have one of the highest rates 73 00:05:02,640 --> 00:05:06,640 Speaker 2: of stress related illness in the nation. You know, caregiving 74 00:05:06,960 --> 00:05:10,800 Speaker 2: is a beautiful ministry, but it is also a risk 75 00:05:10,839 --> 00:05:14,359 Speaker 2: factor for someone who has no support of their own, 76 00:05:14,640 --> 00:05:15,360 Speaker 2: and that's. 77 00:05:15,200 --> 00:05:21,279 Speaker 1: Why conversations like this are so important. Caregivers often do 78 00:05:21,400 --> 00:05:25,359 Speaker 1: not realize how overwhelmed they are until they're already close 79 00:05:25,400 --> 00:05:28,960 Speaker 1: to burnout. They believe they should be able to keep 80 00:05:29,000 --> 00:05:33,240 Speaker 1: going like the energizer bunny. They think rest is selfish. 81 00:05:33,360 --> 00:05:37,560 Speaker 1: They feel guilty for asking for help, but caregiving is 82 00:05:37,680 --> 00:05:41,479 Speaker 1: not meant to be a one person mission. Even Jesus 83 00:05:41,800 --> 00:05:45,560 Speaker 1: received help from Simon of Syreene when he carried the cross. 84 00:05:45,880 --> 00:05:50,400 Speaker 1: If Jesus accepted help, then we can too. It reminds 85 00:05:50,440 --> 00:05:53,320 Speaker 1: me of the verse from Jeremiah, chapter thirty one, verse 86 00:05:53,360 --> 00:05:57,080 Speaker 1: twenty five, where God says he will refresh the weary 87 00:05:57,560 --> 00:06:02,080 Speaker 1: and satisfy the faint. Givers live in the constant tension 88 00:06:02,279 --> 00:06:05,200 Speaker 1: of loving someone deeply while holding the weight of their 89 00:06:05,240 --> 00:06:10,720 Speaker 1: own needs, but God sees them. Even if others overlook 90 00:06:10,760 --> 00:06:13,479 Speaker 1: their sacrifice, God does not. 91 00:06:14,360 --> 00:06:17,760 Speaker 2: I'm so glad that you mentioned the example of Jesus 92 00:06:17,839 --> 00:06:21,520 Speaker 2: needing help to carry the cross, because he truly had 93 00:06:21,560 --> 00:06:25,120 Speaker 2: the weight of the world on his shoulders as he 94 00:06:25,279 --> 00:06:30,520 Speaker 2: was caring for us. Let's turn our conversation to talk 95 00:06:30,560 --> 00:06:34,960 Speaker 2: about some of the pressures that caregivers face. Many feel 96 00:06:35,040 --> 00:06:39,479 Speaker 2: chronic stress from continual decision making. They can end up 97 00:06:39,520 --> 00:06:42,640 Speaker 2: in a place of decision fatigue. And then there's also 98 00:06:43,080 --> 00:06:48,560 Speaker 2: compassion fatigue, which happens when someone is constantly giving emotional 99 00:06:48,680 --> 00:06:52,600 Speaker 2: energy without having a chance to replenish it. And then 100 00:06:52,640 --> 00:06:56,720 Speaker 2: there is the very real physical tiredness from interruptive sleep 101 00:06:56,960 --> 00:06:59,720 Speaker 2: or long days of medical tasks. And a factor that 102 00:06:59,720 --> 00:07:04,200 Speaker 2: we can can't ignore is that there's loneliness because caregiving 103 00:07:04,279 --> 00:07:09,360 Speaker 2: can significantly limit our social connection. And then, as if 104 00:07:09,400 --> 00:07:13,200 Speaker 2: that's not enough, on top of that, there's guilt when 105 00:07:13,240 --> 00:07:16,000 Speaker 2: caregivers take even a moment for themselves. 106 00:07:16,480 --> 00:07:20,880 Speaker 1: So really, what you're saying is the weight that caregivers 107 00:07:21,160 --> 00:07:29,120 Speaker 1: give really becomes really heavy and a huge burden. In fact, 108 00:07:29,200 --> 00:07:32,640 Speaker 1: I often hear caregivers say they cannot ask or they 109 00:07:32,680 --> 00:07:35,640 Speaker 1: feel they cannot ask for help because they worry they're 110 00:07:35,680 --> 00:07:39,440 Speaker 1: burdening others. Caregiving was never meant to be done alone. 111 00:07:39,560 --> 00:07:47,400 Speaker 1: Scripture repeatedly emphasizes community support and shared burdens. God designed 112 00:07:47,480 --> 00:07:51,480 Speaker 1: his people to lift one another up, and when caregivers 113 00:07:51,560 --> 00:07:55,480 Speaker 1: try to do everything alone, they're carrying more than God 114 00:07:55,600 --> 00:07:59,200 Speaker 1: asked them to hold. We're going to take a brief 115 00:07:59,200 --> 00:08:02,760 Speaker 1: word from our spot. When we return, we'll talk about 116 00:08:02,840 --> 00:08:06,120 Speaker 1: the warning signs that a caregiver can no longer afford 117 00:08:06,160 --> 00:08:08,520 Speaker 1: to keep going alone. We'll be right back. 118 00:08:12,960 --> 00:08:18,880 Speaker 2: Welcome back. Caregiving is such a tremendous ministry, but if 119 00:08:18,880 --> 00:08:22,120 Speaker 2: we're being honest, it can feel like a weighty burden. 120 00:08:22,440 --> 00:08:25,840 Speaker 2: So I want to talk about warning signs that a 121 00:08:25,960 --> 00:08:29,440 Speaker 2: caregiver can no longer afford to keep going it alone. 122 00:08:29,480 --> 00:08:31,760 Speaker 2: Before the break, Jessica, you were talking about the fact 123 00:08:31,840 --> 00:08:35,960 Speaker 2: that frequently caregivers feel like they can't ask for help. 124 00:08:36,240 --> 00:08:39,760 Speaker 2: They don't want to extend their burden and create a 125 00:08:39,800 --> 00:08:45,440 Speaker 2: burden for someone else. Caregiving burnout doesn't happen overnight. Really, 126 00:08:45,520 --> 00:08:50,280 Speaker 2: it happens very slowly and quietly, often while someone is 127 00:08:50,760 --> 00:08:54,359 Speaker 2: trying to be strong for someone else. Some early signs 128 00:08:54,480 --> 00:09:03,080 Speaker 2: of caregiver burnout include irritability, difficulty concentratingistant fatigue, and feeling overwhelmed. 129 00:09:03,600 --> 00:09:07,920 Speaker 2: During simple tasks, people might notice that they're becoming easily 130 00:09:07,960 --> 00:09:12,240 Speaker 2: frustrated and maybe even emotionally numb. And recently, Jessica, you 131 00:09:12,280 --> 00:09:18,280 Speaker 2: and I did an episode about emotional exhaustion and holiday burnout, 132 00:09:18,559 --> 00:09:23,400 Speaker 2: and we've recently done an episode about chronic stress, and 133 00:09:23,559 --> 00:09:26,959 Speaker 2: so many of the signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout 134 00:09:27,000 --> 00:09:30,800 Speaker 2: that I just listed overlap with things that we mentioned 135 00:09:30,840 --> 00:09:33,880 Speaker 2: in those two episodes, and so really, what I'm hearing 136 00:09:34,000 --> 00:09:37,400 Speaker 2: and sensing is that stress is all around us. Yeah, 137 00:09:37,440 --> 00:09:41,400 Speaker 2: and it's not going to probably go away without us 138 00:09:41,559 --> 00:09:44,760 Speaker 2: taking some intentional steps to deal with it. 139 00:09:44,960 --> 00:09:48,520 Speaker 1: Such a good reminder that we do have the power 140 00:09:48,640 --> 00:09:52,880 Speaker 1: to take those steps. There's another set of signs that 141 00:09:53,280 --> 00:09:58,560 Speaker 1: caregivers often experience, and those are physical symptoms. Frequent headaches, 142 00:09:58,800 --> 00:10:03,319 Speaker 1: stomach issues, immunity, or body aches can be indicators that 143 00:10:03,400 --> 00:10:07,840 Speaker 1: stress is taking a toll, and sleep problems are extremely common. 144 00:10:08,200 --> 00:10:11,240 Speaker 1: Many caregivers live in a constant state of high alert, 145 00:10:11,520 --> 00:10:15,520 Speaker 1: so their bodies never fully rest. Over time, the lack 146 00:10:15,559 --> 00:10:19,480 Speaker 1: of sleep begins to affect thinking, memory, and mood. If 147 00:10:19,559 --> 00:10:22,520 Speaker 1: your own health is declining, that is a sign you 148 00:10:22,960 --> 00:10:27,160 Speaker 1: need help. If you have ignored your own doctor's appointments, 149 00:10:27,360 --> 00:10:31,440 Speaker 1: stopped exercising, or are developing symptoms that concern you, it 150 00:10:31,640 --> 00:10:33,679 Speaker 1: is time to seek support. 151 00:10:34,040 --> 00:10:38,240 Speaker 2: And if your emotional health is deteriorating, for example, if 152 00:10:38,280 --> 00:10:42,160 Speaker 2: you feel anxious more often than calm, or sad more 153 00:10:42,200 --> 00:10:47,920 Speaker 2: often than stable, if you're crying privately and feeling alone, 154 00:10:48,200 --> 00:10:52,960 Speaker 2: please reach out to someone. God designed us for connection, 155 00:10:53,520 --> 00:10:57,320 Speaker 2: not silent suffering. And I would also add this when 156 00:10:57,400 --> 00:11:02,080 Speaker 2: caregivers begin to lose their ability to feel joy, or 157 00:11:02,160 --> 00:11:06,640 Speaker 2: when they begin to resent the role they once embraced willingly, 158 00:11:07,200 --> 00:11:10,520 Speaker 2: that truly is a sign that they're carrying more than 159 00:11:10,559 --> 00:11:14,840 Speaker 2: they can manage alone. When every day feels heavy and hopeless, 160 00:11:15,080 --> 00:11:18,040 Speaker 2: and when someone feels like they have nothing left to give, 161 00:11:18,200 --> 00:11:20,640 Speaker 2: it is definitely time to reach out for support. 162 00:11:20,960 --> 00:11:24,800 Speaker 1: Michelle, you bring up such an important point, just that 163 00:11:26,200 --> 00:11:30,440 Speaker 1: awareness that if we lose our joy and if we 164 00:11:30,679 --> 00:11:35,760 Speaker 1: start feeling resentful, that should be like flashing warning signs 165 00:11:37,080 --> 00:11:37,880 Speaker 1: to get help. 166 00:11:38,080 --> 00:11:38,320 Speaker 3: Right. 167 00:11:39,280 --> 00:11:43,760 Speaker 1: God never intended caregiving to be an isolating burden. Galatians 168 00:11:43,840 --> 00:11:47,680 Speaker 1: teaches us to carry one another's burdens that includes the 169 00:11:47,720 --> 00:11:51,240 Speaker 1: weight of caregiving. Asking for help is not a failure, 170 00:11:51,679 --> 00:11:55,280 Speaker 1: It is a biblical principle. Third, if the needs of 171 00:11:55,320 --> 00:12:00,840 Speaker 1: your loved one now exceed your physical ability, such as lifting, transferring, 172 00:12:01,640 --> 00:12:07,640 Speaker 1: or managing complex medical tasks, don't ignore that many caregivers 173 00:12:07,720 --> 00:12:12,120 Speaker 1: injure themselves trying to do more than their bodies can handle. 174 00:12:12,880 --> 00:12:17,480 Speaker 2: I think that's so important because as we caregive, and 175 00:12:17,679 --> 00:12:21,360 Speaker 2: like you mentioned, sometimes we stop taking care of ourselves. 176 00:12:21,400 --> 00:12:23,480 Speaker 2: We feel like we don't have time to exercise or 177 00:12:23,559 --> 00:12:26,840 Speaker 2: we're not eating well, our physical bodies can suffer. But 178 00:12:26,880 --> 00:12:29,520 Speaker 2: the fourth thing to keep in mind is that if 179 00:12:29,640 --> 00:12:35,040 Speaker 2: caregiving responsibilities are affecting your relationship with your spouse or 180 00:12:35,120 --> 00:12:38,400 Speaker 2: your children, that's a sign that the load needs to 181 00:12:38,440 --> 00:12:43,360 Speaker 2: be shared. God does not ask us to sacrifice one 182 00:12:43,480 --> 00:12:48,400 Speaker 2: relationship to save another, because in his eyes, everyone's wellbeing matters. 183 00:12:48,760 --> 00:12:52,480 Speaker 1: That is profound. God does not ask us to sacrifice 184 00:12:52,559 --> 00:12:56,800 Speaker 1: one relationship to save another. Let's just take a moment 185 00:12:56,880 --> 00:13:01,240 Speaker 1: and just sit with that and consider where am I 186 00:13:01,440 --> 00:13:06,240 Speaker 1: sacrificing one relationship to save another. It's an important point 187 00:13:06,240 --> 00:13:10,040 Speaker 1: to consider because fifth, if you have begun feeling resentful 188 00:13:10,360 --> 00:13:14,000 Speaker 1: or emotionally disconnected, that is a powerful sign that your 189 00:13:14,080 --> 00:13:17,679 Speaker 1: soul is in need of restoration. You cannot pour out 190 00:13:18,040 --> 00:13:19,240 Speaker 1: what has not been filled. 191 00:13:20,480 --> 00:13:23,560 Speaker 2: This has been a heavy topic, and really what we 192 00:13:23,640 --> 00:13:27,520 Speaker 2: want to do is honor caregivers. But it's so important 193 00:13:27,679 --> 00:13:31,280 Speaker 2: that as caregivers, you can recognize when it's time to 194 00:13:31,320 --> 00:13:34,520 Speaker 2: get some help. It's time not to go it alone. 195 00:13:34,600 --> 00:13:37,320 Speaker 2: But we also want to extend to you biblical hope 196 00:13:37,400 --> 00:13:40,960 Speaker 2: for worn out caregivers. There are so many scriptures that 197 00:13:41,040 --> 00:13:45,480 Speaker 2: speak directly to the heart of a caregiver. Psalm seventy three, 198 00:13:45,600 --> 00:13:48,880 Speaker 2: verse twenty six says that even when our flesh and 199 00:13:49,000 --> 00:13:52,440 Speaker 2: heart fail, God is the strength of our heart. That's 200 00:13:52,520 --> 00:13:56,800 Speaker 2: such an incredible promise for those who feel worn down 201 00:13:56,960 --> 00:13:58,240 Speaker 2: and worn out. 202 00:13:58,640 --> 00:14:02,960 Speaker 1: Yeah, yes, really is. And the psalms bring me so 203 00:14:03,120 --> 00:14:06,480 Speaker 1: much comfort, So I love that you shared that. Also, 204 00:14:06,559 --> 00:14:09,640 Speaker 1: the Book of Isaiah has taught me so much about 205 00:14:09,679 --> 00:14:12,640 Speaker 1: God in his heart for us. And you mentioned Isaiah 206 00:14:12,760 --> 00:14:16,160 Speaker 1: chapter forty, verse twenty nine at the beginning of this episode, 207 00:14:16,320 --> 00:14:19,040 Speaker 1: and it tells us that God gives strength to the 208 00:14:19,080 --> 00:14:23,360 Speaker 1: weary and increases the power of the week. Caregivers often 209 00:14:23,400 --> 00:14:27,720 Speaker 1: believe they must manufacture strength on their own, but God 210 00:14:28,040 --> 00:14:31,160 Speaker 1: is the source of supernatural strength. 211 00:14:31,000 --> 00:14:35,400 Speaker 2: And let's face that we can't manufacture drink. We really 212 00:14:35,480 --> 00:14:38,480 Speaker 2: do have to be dependent on him. You mentioned the 213 00:14:38,480 --> 00:14:41,000 Speaker 2: psalms and how much you like them. Well, I'm eighteen 214 00:14:41,080 --> 00:14:45,320 Speaker 2: twenty eight says that God turns our darkness into light. 215 00:14:45,720 --> 00:14:48,960 Speaker 2: And the caregiving journey, as we've mentioned, can be a 216 00:14:49,000 --> 00:14:51,640 Speaker 2: lonely one, a weighty one, and it can feel dark 217 00:14:51,680 --> 00:14:56,680 Speaker 2: at times, especially when someone watches a loved one decline. 218 00:14:56,920 --> 00:15:00,440 Speaker 2: That's such a difficult situation to be in. That's when 219 00:15:00,440 --> 00:15:04,160 Speaker 2: we have to trust that God brings light even into 220 00:15:04,240 --> 00:15:05,440 Speaker 2: these dark places. 221 00:15:05,800 --> 00:15:10,000 Speaker 1: Yes, and I love Jeremiah chapter thirty one, verse twenty five, 222 00:15:10,160 --> 00:15:14,360 Speaker 1: where God promises to refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. 223 00:15:14,720 --> 00:15:18,120 Speaker 1: That is the heart of God toward caregivers. Ye, friends, 224 00:15:18,320 --> 00:15:20,600 Speaker 1: we're going to take a short break for our word 225 00:15:20,640 --> 00:15:23,840 Speaker 1: from our sponsor. After this brief break will turn our 226 00:15:23,840 --> 00:15:27,960 Speaker 1: attention to practical ways caregivers can renew their strength. 227 00:15:31,920 --> 00:15:34,600 Speaker 2: All right, we want to turn our conversation to what 228 00:15:34,880 --> 00:15:38,520 Speaker 2: may be the most important part of this episode. If 229 00:15:38,640 --> 00:15:42,400 Speaker 2: you are in a caregiving situation, Let's talk about specific 230 00:15:42,640 --> 00:15:48,280 Speaker 2: ways that caregivers can find strength, rest, and renewal in 231 00:15:48,440 --> 00:15:53,080 Speaker 2: practical ways that integrate both faith and emotional wellness. Jess, 232 00:15:53,120 --> 00:15:54,160 Speaker 2: what comes to mind for you. 233 00:15:54,600 --> 00:15:58,720 Speaker 1: One of the most powerful practices is creating small moments 234 00:15:58,720 --> 00:16:03,320 Speaker 1: of spiritual grounding throughout the day. Even sixty seconds of 235 00:16:03,440 --> 00:16:07,960 Speaker 1: quiet prayer, or even attention to your breathing can calm 236 00:16:08,000 --> 00:16:11,960 Speaker 1: the nervous system and help the heart reconnect with God. 237 00:16:12,680 --> 00:16:16,240 Speaker 2: Another powerful practice is We've already touched on this a 238 00:16:16,240 --> 00:16:20,200 Speaker 2: little bit, but it's asking for help early instead of 239 00:16:20,400 --> 00:16:24,200 Speaker 2: waiting for that crash or the crisis to come reach 240 00:16:24,240 --> 00:16:27,440 Speaker 2: out to your church or to family, or to friends, 241 00:16:28,040 --> 00:16:32,600 Speaker 2: or to community resources. Many churches have caregivers support teams 242 00:16:32,640 --> 00:16:35,200 Speaker 2: who are eager to help, but they don't know the 243 00:16:35,320 --> 00:16:40,200 Speaker 2: need until someone speaks up. And sometimes others may not 244 00:16:40,320 --> 00:16:44,040 Speaker 2: be able to do specific things. But it helps even 245 00:16:44,080 --> 00:16:46,360 Speaker 2: if you can just talk through it with someone. 246 00:16:47,120 --> 00:16:50,840 Speaker 1: Oh, I think that is so good because we've referenced 247 00:16:50,880 --> 00:16:54,600 Speaker 1: that emotional exhaustion of course in our January episode, but 248 00:16:54,720 --> 00:17:00,120 Speaker 1: also that emotional burden that caregivers carry. And I know that. 249 00:17:00,240 --> 00:17:03,240 Speaker 1: I think that caregivers are some of the strongest people 250 00:17:03,320 --> 00:17:03,640 Speaker 1: I know. 251 00:17:04,520 --> 00:17:06,560 Speaker 2: Yet they don't feel like they are. 252 00:17:06,880 --> 00:17:11,880 Speaker 1: They don't feel like they are, and so because they 253 00:17:11,960 --> 00:17:16,960 Speaker 1: present so strong, we don't know when you need help. 254 00:17:17,080 --> 00:17:20,280 Speaker 1: So that's why when it's so important to ask that 255 00:17:20,560 --> 00:17:25,119 Speaker 1: ask for help early on. Now, another practical tip that 256 00:17:25,160 --> 00:17:27,919 Speaker 1: I want to encourage caregivers to do is to create 257 00:17:28,000 --> 00:17:31,720 Speaker 1: a simple weekly rhythm. This might include a ten minute 258 00:17:31,720 --> 00:17:36,280 Speaker 1: walk outside, reading one Psalma day, listening to worship music 259 00:17:36,320 --> 00:17:38,960 Speaker 1: while doing chores, or and I think this is so 260 00:17:39,080 --> 00:17:43,680 Speaker 1: important having one guilt free hour of rest each week. 261 00:17:44,600 --> 00:17:49,800 Speaker 1: Doing something for yourself by yourself is not selfish. It 262 00:17:49,880 --> 00:17:53,320 Speaker 1: is actually think of it as a gift that you're 263 00:17:53,359 --> 00:17:56,720 Speaker 1: giving the person you're caring for, because you're renewing your 264 00:17:56,760 --> 00:18:01,720 Speaker 1: own strength. These small moments, listening to worship music, taking 265 00:18:01,760 --> 00:18:04,240 Speaker 1: a ten minute break that one hour once a week 266 00:18:04,480 --> 00:18:06,560 Speaker 1: rebuilds emotional strength. 267 00:18:06,720 --> 00:18:10,840 Speaker 2: And I'm glad that you mentioned that. Grounding the breathing friends. 268 00:18:10,880 --> 00:18:13,040 Speaker 2: Go back and listen to the episode that we did 269 00:18:13,240 --> 00:18:17,520 Speaker 2: on how to Manage chronic stress, because caregivers are under 270 00:18:17,680 --> 00:18:20,439 Speaker 2: chronic stress. But I also want to encourage you to 271 00:18:20,720 --> 00:18:25,920 Speaker 2: pay attention to your body when you're caregiving. You tend 272 00:18:26,000 --> 00:18:29,159 Speaker 2: to be so focused on another person that you stop 273 00:18:29,240 --> 00:18:32,879 Speaker 2: paying attention to yourself. But if you're not sleeping well, 274 00:18:33,119 --> 00:18:36,320 Speaker 2: if you are skipping meals, if you are running on 275 00:18:37,000 --> 00:18:41,439 Speaker 2: pure adrenaline, your body is telling you something and God 276 00:18:41,600 --> 00:18:46,040 Speaker 2: created the body to signal when we need rest. Ignoring 277 00:18:46,119 --> 00:18:49,359 Speaker 2: those signals really only increases burnout and. 278 00:18:49,240 --> 00:18:54,600 Speaker 1: Then stay connected with others. Isolation makes caregiving harder. Yeah, 279 00:18:54,840 --> 00:18:58,879 Speaker 1: even having just one supportive friend can be a lifeline. 280 00:18:59,119 --> 00:19:03,480 Speaker 1: Text someone, call someone, invite someone to pray for you 281 00:19:03,640 --> 00:19:08,320 Speaker 1: and with you. God restores our strength through community. 282 00:19:09,680 --> 00:19:12,719 Speaker 2: As this episode comes to a close, Jess and I 283 00:19:12,880 --> 00:19:16,679 Speaker 2: both want to offer you our hope filled perspectives to 284 00:19:16,960 --> 00:19:20,879 Speaker 2: carry with you on your caregiving journey. We want to 285 00:19:20,920 --> 00:19:23,840 Speaker 2: thank you for all that you're doing. We want to 286 00:19:23,880 --> 00:19:27,560 Speaker 2: thank you for the sacrifice that you're making, and we 287 00:19:27,600 --> 00:19:31,520 Speaker 2: want you to know we see you, we recognize the 288 00:19:31,600 --> 00:19:35,159 Speaker 2: load that's on your shoulders. Before we close, I want you, 289 00:19:35,240 --> 00:19:39,480 Speaker 2: as caregivers to hear this truth. You are not responsible 290 00:19:39,800 --> 00:19:45,600 Speaker 2: for outcomes. We are all responsible to love well and 291 00:19:45,680 --> 00:19:50,640 Speaker 2: to walk faithfully, but God holds the results. So release 292 00:19:50,800 --> 00:19:54,399 Speaker 2: the pressure you've been carrying and be assured that God 293 00:19:54,480 --> 00:19:58,240 Speaker 2: sees you, evalues you, and He has promised in the 294 00:19:58,280 --> 00:20:01,440 Speaker 2: scripture we talked about today that He will be your 295 00:20:01,440 --> 00:20:02,400 Speaker 2: source of strength. 296 00:20:02,840 --> 00:20:07,000 Speaker 1: So encouraging, Michelle, I want to encourage caregivers to know 297 00:20:07,080 --> 00:20:11,040 Speaker 1: that God delights in refreshing your soul. You don't have 298 00:20:11,080 --> 00:20:15,120 Speaker 1: to earn rest. Rest is part of his gift to you. 299 00:20:15,560 --> 00:20:18,760 Speaker 1: He gently invites you to come to him to rest 300 00:20:18,840 --> 00:20:22,280 Speaker 1: when you are weary. He will provide for the needs 301 00:20:22,320 --> 00:20:25,560 Speaker 1: you feel responsible to meet. In fact, I'd like to 302 00:20:25,600 --> 00:20:29,040 Speaker 1: pray for you, Heavenly Father, thank you so very much 303 00:20:29,200 --> 00:20:33,280 Speaker 1: for this caregiver's heart, for the strength that she bears 304 00:20:33,400 --> 00:20:36,159 Speaker 1: for the strength that he carries. Lord, thank you for 305 00:20:36,200 --> 00:20:38,639 Speaker 1: the mercy you've placed in their heart too, to not 306 00:20:38,720 --> 00:20:42,000 Speaker 1: abandon a loved one, but to walk beside them through 307 00:20:42,040 --> 00:20:44,560 Speaker 1: the hard things in life. And Lord, they carry a 308 00:20:44,600 --> 00:20:48,320 Speaker 1: heavy burden that you can carry. So God, I pray 309 00:20:48,400 --> 00:20:51,679 Speaker 1: that you would carry them through this. Lord, that they 310 00:20:51,720 --> 00:20:54,560 Speaker 1: would look to you for strength, that they would receive 311 00:20:54,640 --> 00:20:57,040 Speaker 1: your rest as the gift that it is. And Lord, 312 00:20:57,080 --> 00:20:59,760 Speaker 1: does they sit with you as they rest in you? Lord, 313 00:20:59,800 --> 00:21:02,800 Speaker 1: that you would fill them up to overflowing, so that 314 00:21:02,880 --> 00:21:07,439 Speaker 1: they serve, so that they caregive from the overflow that 315 00:21:07,520 --> 00:21:11,040 Speaker 1: they receive from You and Jesus the same We pray Ama. 316 00:21:11,680 --> 00:21:14,840 Speaker 2: Amen, friends, thank you for joining us on this episode 317 00:21:14,880 --> 00:21:18,200 Speaker 2: of your Hope Field Perspective. If you are a caregiver, 318 00:21:18,440 --> 00:21:21,960 Speaker 2: please know that you are loved and honored today. We 319 00:21:22,119 --> 00:21:26,199 Speaker 2: pray that you will walk away feeling seen and supported. 320 00:21:26,440 --> 00:21:31,359 Speaker 2: In fact, I've created a downloadable caregiver burning In fact, 321 00:21:31,560 --> 00:21:36,760 Speaker 2: I've created a downloadable caregiver burnout warning sign checklist for 322 00:21:36,920 --> 00:21:39,080 Speaker 2: you that you can find in the show notes at 323 00:21:39,119 --> 00:21:42,800 Speaker 2: doctor Michelle b dot com. Maybe you aren't a caregiver, 324 00:21:43,640 --> 00:21:47,120 Speaker 2: but you know one. I guarantee you know several If 325 00:21:47,119 --> 00:21:50,639 Speaker 2: you think about it, would you consider sharing this episode 326 00:21:50,840 --> 00:21:54,080 Speaker 2: with them so that they feel loved and supported and 327 00:21:54,160 --> 00:21:57,639 Speaker 2: seen and have a biblically based perspective to work from. 328 00:21:57,920 --> 00:22:00,000 Speaker 2: I hope you'll join us again next week for another 329 00:22:00,160 --> 00:22:03,399 Speaker 2: episode of your hope filled perspective. Until then, it's my 330 00:22:03,520 --> 00:22:06,480 Speaker 2: prayer for you that you have a hope filled week 331 00:22:06,680 --> 00:22:10,680 Speaker 2: and that you walk in God given peace and renewed strength. 332 00:22:12,440 --> 00:22:16,639 Speaker 4: Your ragged and torn past may be the key to 333 00:22:16,720 --> 00:22:21,679 Speaker 4: God's future for you. We all endure trials, pain, and 334 00:22:21,880 --> 00:22:27,280 Speaker 4: hardship in this life. Too often we believe these experiences 335 00:22:27,640 --> 00:22:32,040 Speaker 4: disqualify us from being useful to God. But the truth 336 00:22:32,160 --> 00:22:37,399 Speaker 4: is your past pain and brokenness serve as preparation for 337 00:22:37,560 --> 00:22:42,359 Speaker 4: what God wants to do in and through you, if 338 00:22:42,640 --> 00:22:49,080 Speaker 4: you will surrender to entrust Him in sacred scars. Neuropsychologist 339 00:22:49,160 --> 00:22:54,440 Speaker 4: and fellow sufferer, doctor Michelle Thankson helps you understand the 340 00:22:54,760 --> 00:22:59,040 Speaker 4: suffering from a biblical perspective. Discover how the trials of 341 00:22:59,080 --> 00:23:03,399 Speaker 4: your life, sir, purpose reflect on the healing that God 342 00:23:03,480 --> 00:23:07,680 Speaker 4: has accomplished, and comfort others with the comfort God has 343 00:23:07,720 --> 00:23:13,119 Speaker 4: given you, just as Jesus' scars didn't disappear after his 344 00:23:13,240 --> 00:23:17,560 Speaker 4: resurrection and confirmed that he was who he said he 345 00:23:17,800 --> 00:23:20,320 Speaker 4: was and that he did what he said he'd do. 346 00:23:21,240 --> 00:23:26,240 Speaker 4: Our emotional or physical scars tell our story and lend 347 00:23:26,359 --> 00:23:31,640 Speaker 4: credence to our testimony of God's love and power. If 348 00:23:31,680 --> 00:23:34,959 Speaker 4: you are ready to turn your past pain into present 349 00:23:35,040 --> 00:23:40,600 Speaker 4: comfort and future hope, let doctor Bankson be your compassionate guide. 350 00:23:41,400 --> 00:23:45,399 Speaker 4: Jill Savage, host of the No More Perfect podcast in 351 00:23:45,600 --> 00:23:49,720 Speaker 4: author of No More Perfect Marriages, had this to say 352 00:23:49,760 --> 00:23:54,439 Speaker 4: about Sacred Scars. While we wish for a pain free life, 353 00:23:54,720 --> 00:23:58,359 Speaker 4: the dark seasons are where God invites us into the 354 00:23:58,440 --> 00:24:01,760 Speaker 4: most growth. In the pages of this book, you will 355 00:24:01,760 --> 00:24:05,840 Speaker 4: come to understand how God uses pain in powerful ways. 356 00:24:06,440 --> 00:24:09,320 Speaker 4: If you're human, you need this book. 357 00:24:10,040 --> 00:24:10,600 Speaker 3: Pick up a. 358 00:24:10,560 --> 00:24:15,080 Speaker 4: Copy of Sacred Scars wherever books are sold, and watch 359 00:24:15,160 --> 00:24:18,080 Speaker 4: God turn your pain into purpose. 360 00:24:21,840 --> 00:24:25,520 Speaker 3: Thank you for joining doctor Bankson for your hope build perspective. 361 00:24:26,000 --> 00:24:30,080 Speaker 3: We hope you are encouraged by her authenticity, vulnerability, and 362 00:24:30,160 --> 00:24:34,000 Speaker 3: biblical truths. If you enjoy today's conversation. When you take 363 00:24:34,000 --> 00:24:37,359 Speaker 3: a moment right now, open up your podcast app and 364 00:24:37,440 --> 00:24:40,160 Speaker 3: look for the subscribe button right next to our podcast 365 00:24:40,200 --> 00:24:43,920 Speaker 3: profile image. We think this podcast is best enjoyed with friends, 366 00:24:44,000 --> 00:24:46,160 Speaker 3: So tell a friend and click share and in your 367 00:24:46,200 --> 00:24:49,160 Speaker 3: podcast app and send a friend our link to share 368 00:24:49,240 --> 00:24:52,320 Speaker 3: Hope with them. If you have a comment, question, or 369 00:24:52,359 --> 00:24:55,000 Speaker 3: suggest a topic for a future show, reach out to 370 00:24:55,080 --> 00:24:58,560 Speaker 3: our staff at info at Hope Prevails dot org. For 371 00:24:58,560 --> 00:25:03,119 Speaker 3: additional resources. Information about doctor Bankson's books where free downloads, 372 00:25:03,359 --> 00:25:06,399 Speaker 3: or to contact her to speak at your next event, 373 00:25:06,680 --> 00:25:11,240 Speaker 3: please visit doctor Mishelbe dot com. Until next time, May 374 00:25:11,280 --> 00:25:13,160 Speaker 3: you have a hope filled week. 375 00:25:16,200 --> 00:25:18,639 Speaker 2: I'd like to take just a second to thank the 376 00:25:18,680 --> 00:25:21,600 Speaker 2: team at Life Audio for their partnership with us on 377 00:25:21,640 --> 00:25:24,600 Speaker 2: this podcast. If you go to lifeaudio dot com, you'll 378 00:25:24,640 --> 00:25:28,320 Speaker 2: find dozens of other faith centered podcasts in their network. 379 00:25:28,440 --> 00:25:32,200 Speaker 2: They've got shows about prayer, Bible study, parenting, and more.