I was not sure where this blog belonged on my webpage. Body and soul work together, and unless your loved one dies unexpectedly, you will likely become a caregiver. Caregiving sorely taxes one mentally, spiritually and physically. Ultimately, I decided to publish “What is Your Power Source?” here because we all need something or someone greater than ourselves to strengthen us when life becomes difficult. Sometimes we suffer through whole seasons full of nothing but pain and anxiety. It is like standing in the middle of a desert, surrounded by dirt, dirt, and more dirt.
I think when we go through difficult times, we search for peace of mind, direction, a way to reduce stress. Not all “desert experiences” require answers. Sometimes it is just a matter of taking to heart Eugene Peterson’s book title, “A Long Obedience in the Same Direction.” https://www.amazon.com/Long-Obedience-Same-Direction-Discipleship/dp/0830822577 Somehow, some way, we must put one foot ahead of the other and get through the day, and the next day, and the day after that. To do that, we need to tap into a power source that feeds our spirit.
Some find peace communing with nature. A long walk in the woods does wonders for the body and soul. A friend or confidant can be a blessing through difficult times. Some people find strength in support groups. I find that quilting takes my mind off my woes and gives me an almost meditative peace. But for the strongest power source, I turn to God.
However, there are times when I feel that something is blocking his power. I’m reminded of the orthodox Jew who was davening (praying) before the temple wall in Jerusalem. “How does that feel? Does that work?’ someone asked him. The man sighed and responded, “It’s like talking to a wall.”
Does God hear us? Does he answer our cries for help? How will I know if a solution is from God? Does God use my mind to reach me? The Bible tells us we can trust Him.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
And he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 ASV)
I question if I trust God enough. How many times have I handed him a problem, only to take it back in the next minute as I continue to fret? Finally, tired of my whining, I made the decision to trust God fully, no matter what is crashing around me. He is sovereign and I’m trying to learn to get on board with whatever his plans are for me. That will be my power source. So, I begin each day praising God, meditating on some Bible verses, and telling him what is on my heart. That gets me centered, or “off on the right foot.”
There is a Bible verse that says,
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10 ASV)
I can hear a skeptic saying, “Fine and dandy for you believers. There are other ways to tap into power. For example, aerobic exercise releases feel-good endorphins, promotes restful sleep, while it strengthens the heart. Meditation lowers blood pressure, clears the mind. People use Tai Chi and Yoga.”
I agree with you, my friend. These practices do help us reach our inner power. A neuroscientist/minister at a seminar I attended talked about an experiment done with nuns. Since nuns were used to meditation, they studied their brains before and after meditation. To no one’s surprise, meditation, changed their brains’ matrix. “See, that proves there is a God,” exclaimed Mother Superior upon hearing the results of the test. After publication, an atheist said, “That proves it’s only biological.”
Yes, biologically and spiritually we do respond to all of the above. I think God created these pathways to enable us to tap into well-springs of power common to all humans. They will work for the monk or the atheist. I do believe, however, that we experience greater strength and wisdom to deal with life when we use these pathways to reach for an all-powerful God and ask for his grace.
Believer or non-believer, I think it is vital we turn daily to whatever or whomever constitutes our power source. Otherwise, something else will run our lives.
What gives you the strength to get through life’s challenges, both big and small?
Love your blog on a Monday morning!
When my husband Bob was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer, I said to God, “So THAT’s how You are going to test us!” And indeed it was, for the next three hot summer months until his death.
I discovered two vital facts in that sad, intense time: first, that Bob, a devout Catholic, was willing to immediately place his fate in the hands of the Lord. He did submit to chemo, but only because our three children and I begged him to try; ironically, due to infection and weakness, only one treatment. God intervened to allow Bob’s wishes.
The second truism I discovered was that my years of intensive care nursing had rendered me strong. Those principles guided me as I cared for him, administering IV antibiotics, keeping him clean and comfortable in his hospital bed in his last days. When I talked to the Hospice nurse about his agitation as he stared at the revolving ceiling fan, she nodded and replied,” Oh yes, he’s seeing his angels!” That solidified it for me: God was there, preparing his entrance into Heaven.
I also realized God did not give me more than I could handle; an intense, quick illness and death were what I was used to. I don’t know how prolonged caregiving would have tested me. What I do realize is that I can now assist others- and have – when their loved ones pass. Sadly, I have become “good” at death….but hopefully at also providing sources of hope.
Thank you for your beautiful testimony, Cathy. After I stopped crying, I thought what you wrote was best described by St. Paul in Romans 8:28. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (NIV) I know how much you love the Lord and can see how you perfectly fulfilled his loving purpose for Bob (aka Digger)and the others you have touched.
I needed your post today as I’m sitting at Strong Hospital waiting for my brother to return to his room from a procedure. He is in advanced heart failure. As I shared with him earlier this morning Be Still and Know I Am I saw this on your post also. I know God is with him and myself.
My husband sent an email to me with something called the 4 candles. It brought me to tears but I have peace, faith love and HOPE.
Thank you for your post today.
It’s in God’s hands. Thy Will Be Done.
I am so sorry your brother is not well, Pat. He is blessed to have such a loving sister. If my post helped you today, it is only through God’s gentle care of you both that it found you this morning. I always say I want to “write what God wants me to write, so it goes where he wants it to go, and does what he wants it to do.” Today, he wanted it to comfort you. I am so humbled. Praise him!