Though I Toil: Devotional Prayer for Caregivers

By Rhea Cassels

Caregiving can be tough--physically, emotionally and spiritually. Though I Toil: Devotional Prayer for Caregivers was written to encourage the caregiver through prayer, addressing common issues which surface as you care for your loved one. This book also includes short excerpts to encourage the reader's faith.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rhea Cassels
• Release date: Feb 3, 2012
• ISBN: 9781465732484

Rhea Cassels

M. Lee enjoys cooking, studying the Bible, enjoying God’s landscape with her playful terrier (a constant companion), and of course, praying for others. Her prayers encouraged Rhea Cassels who, like most caregivers, suddenly found herself caring for her ailing father whose conditions suddenly worsened. As a first-time caregiver, she learned so much that she emerged from the experience purposing to encourage and uplift and share useful resources with other caregivers.

Book preview

FOREWORD

Trying.

That’s how I would describe my first few weeks as a caregiver.

In fact, it was sort of like being thrown into a championship fight with an opponent whose weight class and ranking far exceeds your own. Imagine stepping into the ring with confidence, only to dance into a one-two jab combination that knocks you off balance. The referee checks quickly to make sure you’re able to continue, then gives the signal it’s time to start again. Your trainer yells out from ringside, reminding you to keep your arms up.

You tell yourself you can keep going, until--out of nowhere--another punch lands, causing you to lose focus again.

Maybe the jab is another bad report from the doctor, or yet another scare that sends you rushing to the emergency room. Perhaps the uppercut lands in the form of your loved one--the very person you’ve committed to care for--fighting against your help. Sometimes a critical, unsupportive family member manages to knock the wind out of you. Then, just as you pull yourself together again, planting your feet firmly--Bam! Another blow. You didn’t see this one coming. Maybe this time, mounting medical bills drew blood. Perhaps anxiety and lack