Last night, Peggy and I attended the last session of a
ten-week course on Christian Caregiving put on by our church. At the meeting,
we were asked to write a fax to God telling Him what we were learning and what
fears we might still have about caregiving. I would like to share with you what
I wrote in hopes that you might also be encouraged and challenged in the ways
you care for those you encounter as you go through life.
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To: God, My Heavenly Father
From: Buck, Your Child
Subject: Lessons I am Learning
Thank you for reminding me about the way to love
people without trying to fix them. That is your department. You are God. I am
not.
Thank you for reminding me that I have two ears and
one mouth and that I should always use them in that proportion when I am with
people. God, I really do not want to fall back into the trap of being so
enamored with the sound of my own voice and forget to allow people to discover
Your Truth for themselves. I want to be a guide not a dictator.
I admit I fear my need for approval and significance
will be sought from those around me. I need to remember my acceptance by You
alone is the measure of my worth. My significance rests only on the fact that
You love me, that you are crazy about me.
I know that I have a story to tell but so do others. I
need to let them go first.
Then, as the situation merits, I can share mine.
I know that "Your Word is sharper than a
two-edged sword penetrating to joint and marrow" whereas my words are used
sometimes as a sledgehammer to convince people of my version of the Truth. Help
me to soften my speech and season it with love and your wisdom, given by the
Spirit.
Thank you so much for caring for this old caregiver
that, now, feels better equipped for the privilege of caring for others as a
result of this ten week
journey.
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Folks, we are all caregivers to someone. My hope is
that we would be alert to those around us that are hurting. It is a great
privilege to walk alongside someone in their pain and struggle. You do not have
to be an expert. You just have to care, to listen and to love, being open to
God's leading. I would encourage you to find a place where you can sharpen your
skills in this area as a caregiver.
Net Work News
and Needs
Eight
men from the Friday Morning Group went on a weekend retreat to a member's farm
in central Georgia. We spent time
getting to know each other better while enjoying skeet shooting, riding ATV's,
watching a lot of football, and fishing. There were great meals and lots of laughter. We talked about the
elements of a Christian men's group that makes one successful.
Good
News! You may remember that we have been working with a disabled gentleman,
helping him with his affairs. Several years ago, we discovered that the woman
with whom he was living had convinced him to give her power-of-attorney. She
then proceeded to drain his life savings. An attorney friend of mine sued her
and won a judgment against her but she declared bankruptcy. This past August my
attorney friend notified me that the woman was trying to sell her home. He had
wisely placed a lien on her home at the time of the lawsuit. Two weeks ago, I
was able to present our disabled friend a check for almost the full amount
taken from him!
The
Friday Morning Group is continuing discussing from a Christian perspective, Dr.
Ben Carson's book, America the Beautiful.
Our
Friday Morning Group, in addition to their regular support of the Guatemala
House of Hope Mission, contributed almost $1000 toward the Christmas boxes for
the children there.
I
continue meeting with individual men for breakfast and lunch for counsel and
encouragement.
Thank
you all, dear friends, for your prayers and financial support. Don't quit now!
We need them more than ever.