A Tribute to CareGivers

This is a “me” and “selfie” generation, but Scriptures teach us to care and have compassion for those with special, physical, and emotional needs. After caregiving, my wife and I have personally learned to appreciate professional and also family caregivers who serve others. I want to personally thank Hospice for being “there” to minister and assist burdened families. They always professionally seek what is best for the patient. Also thanks to 911 responders who are “there” for emergencies and even provide free “lift assistance” as needed. Then a big thanks to family members who open their hearts and homes as caregivers to their own loved ones. Caregivers give unconditional love expecting nothing in return. A professor resigned so he could take care of his wife with Alzheimer, the students said, “But she does not even know you.” He said, “But I know her!” I think It would be good for churches to have a special care-givers appreciation service.

Some Bible caregivers: Ruth put her personal life aside and cared for Naomi, her aging mother-in-law. As a result, she was later rewarded with a husband, son, and a God who cared. Onesiphorus was a caregiver who often refreshed Paul in prison. “The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain” (2 Tim. 1:16). Onesiphorus was unknown by others but greatly known by Paul and also the Lord. My Onesiphorus poem: “Did I do my all, when no one knew and no one saw?” Priscilla and Aquila were also caregivers who “often” opened their homes for hospitality. “Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus” (Romans 16:3). The Good Samaritan was a caregiver. “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him” (Luke 10:33).

One day the Lord will reward special caregivers. “Come, ye blessed of my Father…For I was an hungred…ye gave me meat: I was thirsty…ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in…ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer…Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?…a stranger, and took thee in? …clothed thee?…sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer…Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matt. 25:35-40). This is a special tribute to caregivers who care! God bless you, and thank you for sharing and caring! You are appreciated! 

(Please feel free to post and pass this article to known caregivers – TC)