I had the pleasure of being on the Unshakable Hope Podcast, hosted by Kelly Hall. The podcast episode is out now. Much of our conversation was around being encouraged, even during tough circumstances; even in the hard places. Kelly aptly titled the episode, “Hope in the Hidden Places of Trauma and Caregiving.” I hope you enjoy our discussion and that it helps anyone taking care of a loved one.
We covered several topics in the podcast, but here are several key ideas:
Prepare your heart before the crisis hits. Two years before my husband’s rapid cognitive decline, I began praying a specific prayer every day: “Help me keep him feeling safe and loved.” That early surrender shaped everything. When everything finally collapsed, I was already positioned in my heart to show up with love instead of panic. Read more: Can Grief and Gratitude Co-Exist?
God’s Word works even when you don’t understand it. From the time I was ten years old, I read a chapter of the Bible every single night, even though most of it went right over my head. Yet by the time I was thirteen, I had enough spiritual discernment to recognize false teaching when I heard it. Scripture truly does not return void, even in a child’s hands. Read more: Today Lord: Encountering Jesus in Ordinary Moments
Take mini “pity parties.” If exhaustion ever becomes overwhelming, I give myself permission to feel the full weight of it for a little while. When I was full-time caregiving, I’d allow myself to take refuge in the guest room and have a good cry. Then I would get up, dry my tears, and refocus. Naming my need to lament actually made room for renewed strength. Read more: How’s Your Balance?
Keep two journals: one for lament, one for gratitude. I learned to write in both journals on the same day. The lament journal let me be honest about the grief and the heaviness. The gratitude journal helped me see where God was still showing up—the timely phone call, the meal delivered, the tender word from my husband. Holding both lenses kept my heart balanced. Read more: Is Your Life Ebbing or Flowing?
Spiritual “fracking” is real. Years after I had studied every Proverbs verse about the tongue, I once said something sharp and cutting to a speaker. In that painful moment, God broke up decades-old hardness in my heart: childhood pain I didn’t even realize was still lodged there. Healing isn’t always gentle or linear. Read more: Life Lessons from Spiritual Fracking
Thanks again to Kelly Hall for having me on her show. You can listen to the podcast episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.
Blessings,
