Hey sweet friends!
If you are popping over from my devotion “Caring for the Overlooked,” welcome! I’m glad you stopped by. Normally when you visit you would find a recipe and some chatter from me about my kid, my cat or cheese. Yes, I love cheese. Oh… I love my kid and my cat too, of course 
Instead of sharing a recipe and chatter with you today, I want to share some ideas for loving on those who could really use some TLC.
When a friend, neighbor, coworker, etc is struggling, it’s sometimes hard for the them to acknowledge the struggle or to ask for help. I know. I’ve been there. The last few months of my husbands earthly life were painful emotionally, and they were difficult physically as well. Not only was I Ron’s caregiver, but I was the mother of a precious three-year-old boy who needed attention from me and his daddy and didn’t understand what was happening.
But even on my most difficult days, I rarely asked for help. When anyone asked how I was I usually responded with, “I’m fine. A little tired, but fine.”
I was definitely NOT fine. I was emotionally and physically exhausted.
What did I need but never asked for?
Sleep.
A Shower.
Toilet Paper.
A warm meal for me and my little boy.
Someone to do a load of laundry.
I know that there are many people in that same position for one reason or another and, like me, they aren’t asking for help. Maybe it’s a caregiver. Maybe it’s someone with a chronic illness, sick family member, loss of a job. Here are some practical ways you can extend some needed TLC to someone in desperate need of some:
- Write a sweet note letting them know that they are in your prayers and that you are there if they need you.
- Don’t wait for them to ask for help. Just do something. Imagine yourself in their situation and think about what you would want someone to do. Then do it.
- Purchase some basic household items and deliver them. When you are going through something traumatic, its hard to think about needing toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, drinks, etc. If their situation is one that brings lots of visitors, they will need these items more than ever and rarely will anyone think to bring them.
- Make a Blessing Box. Let God’s promises, personalized just for them, minister to their heart. You can find a template HERE to personalize. Just scroll down the page until you see “God’s Promises for You.”
- Make a casserole. I’m a southern girl and the go-to dish for any need is a casserole. They feed a good crowd, are warm and comforting, and they can easily be frozen in case someone else has already brought one by. Here are a few of my favorite casseroles:
Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Friends, I pray that God will nudge your hearts and show you who He wants you to love on in His name.
Sweetest Blessings,
LeAnn
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
You’ve inspired me… as always.
Doing two things on this list this week now!
Hugs
Sharon
LeAnn ~
Thank you for your P31 Devotion & your tips today. Three years ago tomorrow we said goodbye to my Mother-in-law after just having said goodbye to my father-in-law 2 months earlier. Their deaths were the end of a very difficult 2 1/2 years. During that time we had an active toddler & the birth of a baby all while being the caregivers for our in-laws. While caring for them we felt God’s Amazing Love through the help of friends. There were times I either didn’t know what to ask for or was too tired to ask but they were there with a meal, to watch the kids or a package of diapers. Oh what a blessing we can be to a caregiver.
In His Calm,
Mary
Thank you for your devotion-it has inspired me to check on someone I know who has chronic health problems & has a husband & children she tries to care for.
Also, I just wanted to say that I did not go through what you went through but I have two chronic diseases & there are times when a meal has been such a blessing & other times where a listening ear was just as much a blessing as the meal. I just say this to let you know that your devotion is so true & I only wish so many more would not only read it but would respond to it’s call to love & help others who are in pain-whether it’s physical or not.
May God continue to bless you as you minister to others; you have definitely been a blessing & encouragement to me today!
~Blessings~
May I add that caregivers do not always have the person they are caring for in their home. I am a daughter who is caring for an elderly father in a nursing home. Yes, I am not 24/7 involved in his care but it is always on my mind and there is always something that needs to be handled. For several years my father was two hours away, thankfully now he lives in the same town. In some ways that makes it more difficult because I want to be with him and spend time with him since he doesn’t know people here but I also need to do laundry, vacuum etc. things that can only be done at my place. In other ways it is easier because I can pop in between work and Bible study for 30 minutes.
Guess I just want to encourage people and help them realize caregivers are of many “varieties”.
LOVE your blog. You’re always so encouraging, and the recipes are great too!
Am passing this one along, and taking your advice. Have a GREAT week dear one!
–Faithy
Thank you so very much for shedding light on the CAREGiver. I watched my mother widdle down to nothing as she took such wonderful care of my father for 9 years after he suffered a massive stroke. What wonderful suggestions you have presented for us to be a blessing to the ones who are in the trenches each and every day.
My heart went out to you in reading about Ron. What a true woman of God you are. The Lord held you up and you trusted Him and tht’s what are battle is all bout. You are a blessing to all your readers. Thank you for being so honest it really hits home. God will continue to bless you and thank you for reachong out to us.
In His Love,
Vicky
Just did this last week. A friend of a friend found out she had cancer (young mother) and I immediately made them dinner and took over. My friend lives 5 hours away and I had two grateful people my friend and her friend. Felt really good to help someone in need. Thanks for the casserole ideas. I just made lasagna. I also included a bottle of Italian lemonade, salad fixings and homemade brownies.
Thanks so much for the post it really is inspiring and I have copied the verses for a blessing box so I can do it when a friend needs it.
Oh sweet LeAnn, this brought tears to my eyes today. I am currently one of those caregivers. My husband of 11 years is dealing with cancer again for the 2nd time in 10 years. I am also the mother to 5 kids under 10. Life is challenging to say the least. I keep going thanks to God giving me what I need, but so many times I just want to collapse in a heap on the floor and have somebody hold me. Thank you for sharing your testimony and sharing this message with others.
Thank you for your devotion. I fully understand as my husband is battling cancer right now and the future looks bleak from the doctors viewpoint. Though my husband is not always sick yet, there are days that are just yucky and blue. It is so nice when a unexpected visit or call brightens the day. This also reminds me how important it is for me to repay the kindness that has been shared with me. Thank you as most people don’t fully understand how emotionally and physcially draining it is to care for an sick loved one. I have copied your devotion so I will be reminded to care for other that are on the same journey of caregiving.
Thank you so much for your encouraging words. I took care of my mother for 15 years. She became bedridden and needed constant care. I thank God for my children who at the teen years assisted in her care. It truly is hard sometiimes to ask for help and I’m glad you mentioned to just do something! My mother passed in November 2011 and she is truly missed — what a source of encouragement she was — even to those who came to care for her. Being a caregiver is tough at times, but it is also a blessing to be able to care for your loved one. I also encourgage others to seek out ways to bless those who are caregivers. Blessings….
Thank you so much for sharing. I can see that what you have written has not only touched me but many others, as well.
BTW, I really like your website. God bless you!
Hi Lee Ann, This is my 1st visit to your site. I so appreciate your words of wisdom. I will be visiting more frequently. God’s Blessings to you and your family.
Great tips. I totally agree. After I had my baby, we definitely needed (and asked for) a TP delivery, among others.
I just made the Ravioliagna for my Mom’s birthday dinner – and it was fabulous – mixing sweet and mild italian sausages with that bit of cinnamon was wonderful. I made it gluten free with frozen gluten free ravioli and it was a huge hit! I can’t wait try the other TLC casseroles and this Coconut Cake!!! Thanks so much!