LOVE is an ACTION Word!

After becoming a primary caregiver, I quickly realized that the essence of LOVE transcends an emotional state or a feeling.  Love is a soul-stirring, powerful movement to better the existence of another person.  When a person is struck with the mesmerizing power of love, a force uplifts them push through personal boundaries to make life better for the source of this love.  Every caring act of a caregiver is a selfless act filled with love.  As a caregiver, I carry in my heart the daily to “do everything in love” (2 Corinthians 16:14).  I meditate on this every morning and every evening.  Despite all the demands in my life apart from being a caregiver, I constantly remind myself to be gentle, to listen, to slow down, and to show love.

Every day is not easy; in fact, I struggle most days.  Because I am pushing myself beyond limits to do all that is required of me in my multiple roles.   I am a loving caregiver, doting wife, faithful daughter, dependable aunt, diligent worker, striving business owner, active member of a sorority, concerned citizen of my community, neighborhood leader, blog writer, and a deeply spiritual person.  So many opportunities to impact people with love.

Sometimes, my patience runs short and my tone is stern.  These are the days when I am sleep deprived and borderline exhausted.  Even in these moments, my love is strong.   All these moments will be shared in this blog.   The purpose of this blog is to expose my heart as my mother’s caregiver and share my experiences and adventures as a caregiver that began in August 2019.   

Continue reading this blog each week for a sneak peek into a significant part of my life.  Until next time, here a poem and prayer written by Bruce McIntyre (brucemcintyre.com) that appropriately refers to caregiving as a “sacrificial love”:

“Unknown and often unnoticed, you are a hero nonetheless. 

For your love, sacrificial, is God at his best.

You walk by faith in the darkness of the great unknown,

And your courage, even in weakness, gives life to your beloved.

You hold shaking hands and provide the ultimate care:

Your presence, the knowing, that you are simply there.

You rise to face the giants of disease and despair,

It is your finest hour, though you may be unaware.”