Fly High Above the Storm

Today we had a small birthday party for my grandmother. She is 93 and suffers from dementia.

It is difficult being a caregiver for a family member with Alzheimer’s or dementia. It has been said that the moral heart of a society can be judged by how well it provides for those in the shadows of life, and those in the twilight of life. Rejoice that you have the opportunity to be a caregiver. And you can put your trust in God that he will never leave you and will comfort you in your darkest hour.

Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks? The eagle will fly to a high spot and then wait for the winds to come. When the storm finally hits, the eagle sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle soars above it. The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm. When we feel that the storms of life have come upon us when we are dealing with the dementia of our loved one --we can rise above them by setting our minds and our belief toward God. The storms will not overcome us. We can allow God's power to lift us above them. We can soar above the storm. Remember, it is not the burdens of care giving that weigh us down; it is how we handle our duties as a caregiver.
The Bible says, But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (King James Version)

So the next time you are having a difficult time with your loved one, remember God’s promise and allow him to renew your strength.

At times it may not seem fair that so much of your life is spent as a caregiver. But the purpose of our lives lies in Him, not in us. We are each caregivers because that is the purpose that God has for us. In the book of Jeremiah he says: For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)


Frances cares for her 72-year-old husband who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease two years ago. She spends practically every waking moment watching over him and their home. What gives her the strength to go on? She will smile and tell you that when it's too hard for her it's just right for God.

Although God will renew your strength you need help and support as a caregiver. The key to your success is communicating with family members, employers and friends.
Much of your energy is focused on meeting the needs of the person you are caring for, and focusing on your own needs may seem selfish. But preserving your health and having time for yourself is important. It's important that caregivers don't try to do everything themselves. Asking for help may be difficult or even seem embarrassing, but you may discover that friends and family and even church members are not only willing, but also eager to help. And remember, asking for help means less stress for you, which almost always means you'll be a better caregiver for your loved one.
Sit down with family members or friends and discuss specific areas in which you think they could help.

Clearly explain what would help you the most. It could be something as simple at a short trip to the grocery store or a trip to the pharmacy.

Always remember you are not alone and when you start to feel overwhelmed look to God for strength and soar above the storm.