Your Company Logo Here

Dear Friends

radar screen 

 Of course you're afraid!
You're a caregiver.

Week of July 7, 2020
Prayer Requests

Dear Friends,

Of course you're afraid! You're a caregiver. The two go hand-in-hand and, in some ways, that fear makes you better at helping your loved one.

Caregiving can be scary. Let's say that again. Caregiving can be scary. Not all the time. (Please, Dear God, not all the time.) But sometimes.

You know that. You've experienced it in the past and, no doubt, will in the future.

It doesn't mean your being afraid makes you a bad Christian even though the Bible is chock-full of reminders to "Fear not!" and "Be not afraid!" It means you're taking this role, this vocation, this calling, of caregiving very seriously.

You're paying attention to what's happening now with your loved one, and you're keeping an eye on the horizon for what may be looming there.

You've finely tuned your "caregiver radar" and pay close attention to any blips on the screen.

You may be deeply afraid at times but you're not crippled with fear. Not unable to make a decision and take action. And -- here's good news -- taking appropriate action when very, very afraid is the one of the most accurate definitions of courage.

Which, by the way, is among the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

But what about those scriptural admonitions? What about St. Julian of Norwich's often quoted "All will be well"?

Well ... they're true. And they're good reminders. But. Perhaps sometimes they're there to help us keep our eyes, our minds, our hearts, on the big picture. The eternal picture.

Yes, all will be well for your care-receiver and you. In time. Beyond time.

But here and now, day by day, night by night, there are fears.

Of course you're afraid. You're a caregiver.

You remain in my prayers.

—Bill

- - -

Again this week we cordially invite you to join the Friends of St. John the Caregiver! (FSJC's programs include YourAgingParent.com and CatholicCaregivers.com.) You can find out more about becoming a member here.

No meetings, no dues. All we ask is that you pray for caregivers and those receiving care. Our members include caregivers, care-receivers, and those who support both (including quite a few former caregivers).

You can:

sign up online here

or call us toll-free at 1-800-392-JOHN (5646)

or print and mail an application form.

Past "Dear Friends" Letters

Order Form