Title: BECAUSE
YOU CARE: Spiritual Encouragement for
Caregivers
Authors: Cecil Murphey
and Twila Belk
Photographer:
Betty Fletcher
Publisher:
Harvest House Publishers
February 2012
ISBN: 978-0736943284
Genre: gift
book/caring for a loved one
You are doing
the right thing for someone you love—and that gives you peace.
All of us, at
one time or another, will find ourselves caregivers to someone we love. Maybe
it’s just a short term illness. Or maybe it’s a life threatening disease.
BECAUSE YOU CARE is written for those who find themselves in a situation where
they are providing long term care for a spouse, a child, or a parent, due to
circumstances such as an accident, a debilitating illness, or other reasons.
Cecil Murphey’s
wife has suffered through a number of illnesses, including breast cancer, and
has lived with pain pretty much all her life.
Twila Beck’s husband was diagnosed with a disease with no cure and no
treatment. There are also stories included from other caregivers who took care
of parents or children.
I took care of
my mother after she had a debilitating stroke. My sister told me to put her in
a nursing home and that I was wrong to take care of Mom, it would hurt my
family. But even though caring for Mom was hard and took time and patience, it
was a gift that my whole family treasured, having Mom in our home, caring for
our needs and getting a chance to show that we loved her. After Mom died, my
family agreed that it was worth it, and we’d do it again. I do wish this book
had been available those days though, because I often felt overwhelmed,
inadequate, and went to bed felling guilty that I didn’t get it all done.
If you are a
caregiver or know someone who is, gift them with a copy of BECAUSE YOU CARE. It
is a book that will minister to them through scripture, beautiful photography,
and stories from those who’ve been there. 5 stars. $12.99 hard cover. 48 pages.
***
Book Excerpt:
(from the beginning)
This Is Who You Are
From Cec and Twila
Others may call you brave. They’ll use words like noble or sacrificial. They’ll admire and applaud you because you’ve offered your life to make yourself available to someone who needs a long-term caregiver.
“I couldn’t do what you’re doing for him,” a friend says.
You listen to the words your friend speaks, and you like hearing the compliments. Yet as you listen and smile, you don’t see yourself as exceptional. You’re doing the right thing for someone you love, and that gives you peace. You also know the reason you’ve devoted your energies to another person.
You can express that reason in a single sentence: “I do it because I care.” You might say it’s because you love the person, or you may do it because of a strong sense of commitment to God and to your loved one. Regardless of how you express yourself, you’re determined to give yourself as fully as you can.
Some days you may not feel like loving anyone. You get tired, lose your temper, or think of the things you didn’t accomplish. During the worst times, you wish the situation would change. And in those dark moments, you’ve probably prayed, Dear Lord, please take this burden from me.
The situation probably won’t change for a long time—perhaps years. It’s not the kind of life you would have imagined. You probably envisioned living out your years in blissful peace. Caring for your loved one wasn’t part of your dream, but this is the life you have. Despite the moments of sadness, perhaps even regret, your answer remains the same: “I care.”
Taken from: Because You Care. Text Copyright © 2012 by Cecil Murphey, Twila Belk. Artwork Copyright © 2012 by Betty Fletcher. Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon. Used by permission.
***
Grand Prize Giveaway Description
Instructions to Enter the Grandprize Drawing:
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Bios
Twila Belk and Cecil (Cec) Murphey are both long-term caregivers for their spouses. Twila, aka the Gotta Tell Somebody Gal, is a writer and speaker who loves to brag on God. She works fulltime with Cec as his manager, personal assistant, and biggest fan. Cec is a veteran author who has written or co-written more than 125 published books, including the bestsellers 90 Minutes in Heaven (with Don Piper) and Gifted Hands (with Dr. Ben Carson). His books have sold in the millions and have brought hope and encouragement to countless readers around the world. Cec and Twilas’ second co-authored book, Heavenly Company: Entertaining Angels Unaware(Guideposts Books), released in August 2012.
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3 comments:
A much-needed book for those in service to loved ones.
Laura, thanks for featuring our book on your site and for your kind words. Many people today find themselves in the role of caregiver--a role that often comes unexpectedly. It's not something we ever dreamed about doing, but we do it because we care. We hope the book blesses those who read it.
Wonderful words about a book written for those taking care of someone they love. As a former caregiver, I appreciate your post Laura. Caregivers simply cannot get too much support and encouragement.
Gail P. Smith
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