Sunday, June 12, 2011

SHINE

Shine

Make 'em wonder what you've got

Make 'em wish that they were not

On the outside looking bored

Shine

Let it shine before all men

Let'em see good works, and then

Let 'em glorify the Lord...Newsboys

I have recently started a job as a CareGiver for Seniors so they can remain in their homes instead of going to a nursing home. One of my clients has an adult daughter who was involved in an accident as a child and suffered some brain trauma as a result. She has a very negative view of herself and the world as part of her mental illness.

This was our conversation one day.....

Her… “Are you a Baptist?”

Me… (hmmm…that was a random question) “I’m a Christian.”

Her… “I’ve tried to be a Christian, but I’m not good enough.”

Me…(wow, I’ve never been in contact with someone who has so little hope….so here it goes)You don’t have to be good enough, God loves you just the way you are.

Her… “No, no, I’m nothing, I’m just a shell. I’ve made too many mistakes”

Me…. (yikes) No, God loves us in spite of the things we have done.


I was placed in this home because the husband is very specific about the caregiver for his wife. Little did I know that I would have the opportunity to witness to their daughter. Since then we have talked about Christian artists (We both like the Newsboys), more about God’s love, and mostly I’ve just tried to be a positive mentor to her and love her just the way she is.

So it turns out, I’m not just there for the Senior, but I think God may have had a hand in this assignment too.



***PS….I wrote this on T
hursday…..Friday was quite a challenge, as the daughter was having a very bad day….I gave lots of hugs and back rubs that day….but unfortunately this upsets her mother, my client….pray for me on Monday that things will be ok for this family and I can continue to love them all.


4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

7 comments:

  1. I am always amazed by how I always think I am somewhere for a specific reason, and it turns out it was really for a completely different reason.

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  2. 2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

    I'll be praying for you that Jesus will give you what you need to care for all of them, and that you won't grow weary in doing good.

    Lorraine, you are totally right!

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  3. update...still giving the "hugs" and telling her that she matters and she is loved..... unfortunately yesterday she chopped off all her hair with a disposable razor. She is in crisis mode and I don't know what will happen :-(

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  4. Sheila, God has you there for a purpose. What a sad update that she would shear off her hair. I'll pray that you are given insight as to how to go on and how to make a difference for this family.

    Thanks for letting us know.

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  5. Well I found out today why I was assigned to this home. The daughter who is mentally ill decided to hit me in the back and head with her fists until I was able to get away from her. The attack was sudden and unprovoked.....maybe now her parents will get her full time care now that the police are involved, but I won't be going back. Thanks for your prayers for me and the prayers for this troubled family....sheila

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  6. Oh my goodness, Sheila!!! I can't imagine what you've gone through with this woman and for her to attack you that way! I'm sorry you had to do that, but sometimes the parents need to have their hand forced and it sounds as though God, through this very difficult situation, is doing just that. Are you ok???

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  7. Sorry, Paula, I just realized I never answered this. I am ok....scared me more than hurt me. We have court scheduled on Sept. 7th and she is charged with assault. Hopefully it doesn't go to court and she is somewhere safe for her sake and her parent's.

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