In 1994, the National Family Caregivers Association established the Caregiver Action Network, a program that promotes national recognition for family caregivers. Three years later (1997), President Bill Clinton signed the first National Family Caregiver Month proclamation. This recognition has continued every year since, raising awareness about caregiving issues annually in November.
Whether parents caring for their underage child in general, parents caring for their adult children with a mental, developmental, physical, or degenerative disability, or an adult child caring for their elderly parent or grandparent, the Holy Bible finds it commendable for people to look after their families. For the scripture says, “Those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers (1 Timothy 5:8, New Living Translation).” However, while the commitment to caring for family is highly commendable, the reality is that it is not an easy task, for it can strain a person’s physical and mental health, making it difficult for caregivers to manage their lives.
On behalf of the family caregivers in America, I offer the following as tribute and encouragement:
- A Scripture of Hope and Healing for Relatives from Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Luke:
- “…people throughout the village brought sick family members to Jesus. No matter what their diseases were, the touch of His hand healed every one (Luke 4:40, New Living Translation).”
- Quick Resources:
- Local and Social Services: Dial 2-1-1 (United Way’s services number) to find local services for elderly care, hospice and palliative care, in-home care, long-term care, and respite care, within or nearby your zip code.
- AARP of Alabama Caregiver Support Line: Call (866) 542-8167 for information, financial resources, and support programs.
Finally, on behalf of family caregivers in America, I offer the following intercessory prayer:
Dear God, our Heavenly Father,
As our nation observes National Family Caregivers Month, I pray for the following blessings for all our family caregivers:
- Your Spirit will shine with grace, glory, and favor upon them throughout this month.
- The Spirit of Jesus’ hand will touch all their infirm relatives for a divine, miraculous healing, just as He did for the sick families in the village from the gospel of Luke in the Holy Bible.
- Every church and community service will organize an outreach service to salute and recognize them all.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Sources:
- Caregiver Action Network (www ncoa.org/page/national-family-caregivers-month).
- U.S. Census Bureau (www.census.org/newsroom/stories/family-caregivers-month.html).
- Edward-Elmhurst Health (www.eehealth.org/blog/2018/01/manage-caregiving).
—Kenneth Sullivan