In honor of Leap Day, I’m giving away two copies of Cecil Murphey and Twila Belk’s newest book, Because You Care: Spiritual Encouragement for Caregivers. This lovely, poignantly crafted gift book reaches the secret rooms of the hearts of everyone who cares for the elderly, weak, or sick.
Serene, stunning photographs by Betty Fletcher accompany Cec’s and Twila’s own stories of caring for their spouses. Although I’m not a caregiver, my soul was nourished and my thinking changed by Cec and Twila’s candor and wisdom. My favorite quotes:
“You don’t do compassion. You become compassionate. Compassion doesn’t mean I have to do everything or provide for every need, but it does require a willingness to serve the person I love.” --Cec
Mismatched Book Ends
They are like mismatched bookends—Cecil the serious, helpful mentor of writers; Twila the spunky, gregarious cheerleader who serves as Cec’s assistant. Both sowed seeds of kindness and helpful advice into my life, and I gained two new heroes.
Because they care, they have graciously given me these books free of charge, so others can benefit from the telling of their struggles. If you’d like to win one, please do the following:
Leave a comment at the end of this post
Include your email address.
Share a way you show you care, even if you’re not a caregiver. We can all use ideas for reaching out to love others in new ways.
The contest ends at noon on Saturday, March 3rd. I will post the winners on Sunday, March 4th.
If you’d like to purchase a copy of Because You Care, go to http://www.amazon.com/Because-You-Care-Encouragement-Caregivers/dp/0736943285
At some time in our lives we all experience being a caregiver. My mother just ended her years of doing it for my father. My MIL struggles to keep my FIL at home and as a former social worker,I saw even the staff and myself struggle with the care of those around us. It isn't easy and those givers need encouragement. So nice you met these people and they have this ministry!
ReplyDeleteI give all the caregivers in this world a bow.
ReplyDeleteLoved learning about Cecil and Twila.
I was my Mother's caregiver at the end of her life. I know first hand how hard it can be ....
ReplyDeleteIf you haven't signed up for my Giveaway come on over !!
Have a Great Day!!
Marilyn
Jeanette,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing about this book. It sounds like it will be a very helpful and encouraging read. If I win the giveaway I will put it in our church library, and if I don't win I'll recommend it to our church librarian!
My experience of giving care has been to start a DivorceCare group at church, as I noticed that many marriages were breaking up and there was nowhere for people to go to get help and support. I'm a child of divorce and know how it impacts a family. The care I have seen these hurting people show each other has been tremendous! I know this is not the care giving that the book is about, but I do have many friends in the "sandwich" part of their lives who are caring for both children and parents. This book sounds like it would be a great help to them.
My email is sue.palmer101@gmail.com
Blessings,
Sue
As my friend battled the last stages of cancer, I'd bring her a meal each week and stay for a visit and talk books. I'm reminded of something my son once told me. "I'm more than my disease and would like to talk to people about other stuff, not it." I find when visiting shut-ins that they love to reminisce and I love listening to their stories.
ReplyDeleteCaregivers need special, prayerful support. My Dad took care of Mom for many years before she passed away. It is truly a labor of love.
ReplyDeleteWhenever the Lord brings someone to mind, I usually pray for them. I also will call, text or email them, or drop a handwritten note in the mail. It always warms my heart to know someone was thinking of and praying for me, so I try to let others know when they come to mind.
Thanks for offering this giveaway, Jen!
Blessings,
Karen
karenelangeATgmailDOTcom
I was my mother's caregiver at the end of her life, and now, watching my husband take care of me, after I had a stroke back in September. This sounds like a wonderful book.
ReplyDeleteI wish I'd had something like this when Beloved was dying of leukemia.
ReplyDeletesusanjreinhardt AT gmail DOT com
Blessings,
Susan
what a nice give away!! i think caregivers need a lot more support than they get!! I see this now with my friends whose parents are dependent..very tough!!!
ReplyDeleteGod bless them all!
My mother came to live with us nearly two years ago. I think it brings her joy when we make time to play a game of Phase 10 with her. She needs things to stimulate her mind, though a game with her is very slow and takes patience to follow through with. I would love to win a copy of your book, Cec.
ReplyDeleteMcWrites2u@sbcglobal.net