Dear Friends
Even Jesus Had Help Carrying His Cross
Week of April 1, 2019
Prayer Requests
Dear Friends,
Yes, "'If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me'" (Lk 9:23).
Yes, "I have the strength for everything through him [God] who empowers me" (Phil 4:13).
But maybe no—quite possibly no—"God doesn’t give you more than you can handle." It’s a popular quote ... but not scriptural. It’s religiously cultural and, most times, meant to be helpful. Comforting. Encouraging. Empowering.
Meant to be.
On the other hand, perhaps like Jesus on his way to Calvary, you need some help. Perhaps, as a caregiver, sometimes you need your own "Simon of Cyrene." And perhaps sometimes the strength God is giving you is the wisdom and courage to ask for help from others. To accept the help others offer.
So, yes, it can be said God never gives you more than you can handle because he gives the rest of us the opportunity, the privilege, and the obligation to help you.
For some suggestions on getting help, see "Exhaustion: Care for the Caregiver." As a topic here, and printable flier here.
And, in keeping with a "Good Friday theme," you can find "The Stations of the Cross for Caregivers" here. It includes:
5. Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry
his cross
Lord, thank
you for choosing me to be a caregiver for my loved one. Help me ask
for help when I need it and accept it when it’s offered. Help me to
find what’s best for him (her) and to recognize it when you show it
to me. Amen.
You remain in my prayers,
Bill
- - -
This week we're so pleased to welcome Nancy B. of Minnesota, Irene S. of New York and Servi C. of Louisiana as the newest members of the Friends of St. John the Caregiver. Please keep them and their intentions in your prayers. They have promised to pray for you and yours.
And again this week we cordially invite you to join the Friends of St. John the Caregiver! (FSJC's programs include YourAgingParent.com and CatholicCaregivers.com.) You can find out more about becoming a member here.
No meetings, no dues. All we ask is that you pray for caregivers and those receiving care. Our members include caregivers, care-receivers, and those who support both (including quite a few former caregivers).
You can:
sign up on-line here
or call us toll-free at 1-800-392-JOHN (5646)
or
print and mail an application form.
God bless you!
Bill