For Women Only:  What is my mission?

by Genell Holloway | Feb 26, 2021 | Inner Growth

(published in The Christian Observer July/August 1994 issue)

Wouldn’t it be a boring world if we were all alike?  We need different types of people to complement one another.  If everybody was just like me, we would bounce off the walls, come floating down deflated, rest awhile, and bounce again.  We need some steady, calm personalities to hold us on an even keel.

If we were just alike, a lot of needs would not be met.  God tells us we have different gifts (I Cor. 12).  Each one of us is uniquely made with her own set of skills and abilities.  Isn’t this wonderful!  God also tells us that each one of us has work to do, work that was prepared in advance for us to do (Eph. 2:10).

God has a certain work for me, but what is it?  How do I know what it is and when do I fulfill it?  These are questions asked by each one of us.  We all struggle with the answers.  Sometimes, it is difficult to know if this is Jesus leading me or a stumbling block put out by the devil.  I do know we are to “live as children of light” and to “make the most of every opportunity” (Eph 5).

We are each given at least one talent.  The parable of the talents (Matt. 25) tells us this.  Maybe your talent is to organize and teach a children’s program.  Maybe your talent is to prepare a fellowship meal.  Maybe your talent is to teach a home Bible study.  Maybe your talent is to smile and hug little children.  Maybe your talent is to pour water into a glass and serve someone with a smile.  Whatever it may be, you must do it.  “Work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Col. 3:23).

Take a few minutes and reflect on your own life, answering these questions.

• Do you remember the last kind thing you did? How did it make you feel?
• What brings you more pleasure than anything else you do?
• Do you enjoy doing things for other people? Why?
• What is it that actually brings you extra joy when you do it for someone else?
• Could one of these actions be the work, the ministry, you are to do?

In my own life, I can reflect back to painful times and now understand why I had to experience those times.  Other times were joyful and pleasant.  However, these events have led me to where I am now.

I never in my wildest dreams thought I would ever actually be a houseparent in a children’s home.  I had desired to be one, but I felt it was just a passing thought.  I was going to be a nurse, taking care of people and get paid for it too.  Well, this did not come to pass, but I learned so much from this experience.  Later, I went into a different field and did quite well.  I learned many other things, all of which molded me into the person I am now.

Today, I serve as a houseparent caring for up to nine children-attempting to meet their needs physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  I don’t make the big bucks I dreamed of.  However, one could not place a monetary value on the joy I receive caring for these children.  My task is not an easy one; but, I love it with all of my being.

Some people have said they could not do this work.  It is not for everyone.  There are things they can do that I cannot.  It is true that the children are her for an unknown length of time.  Because I only have these children for a little while, I am more aware of the need to make today count.  I have to make a difference TODAY.  I may not have tomorrow.  I firmly believe God has been preparing me for this work all along.  All the valleys in my life were just a steppingstone for this mission.  All the joys in my life were for the days I would need to be uplifted.  What greater joy can there be on earth than to have the love of a child and show him that God loves him.

Just as I do not have the promise of tomorrow with these children, do you really have tomorrow?  So, stop and consider what your work for the Lord really is, and let’s get on about our Lord’s business until He comes.

The following is used by permission of the person who wrote it, but wished to remain anonymous.

We’re women with a mission, we’re His indeed.  We’re ready for the challenge, no matter what the need.  So find your mission, sister; whether great or small.  Remember it’s for Jesus…..and that it takes us all.

Caregiving Tips

by Genell Holloway | Feb 26, 2021 | Inner Growth

Caregiving is multi-faceted daunting job.  Most caregivers find themselves adding caregiving role as another hat they must wear in their daily responsibilities.    There are lots of resources available for caregivers, but who has time to explore those resources?  One of the purposes of this blog is to share resources that are helpful.  Today, I want to focus on some important reminders for you.

1. 1. Self care is extremely important for your own sanity.  Take time to do at least one thing for yourself each week.  That might be going and getting your hair and/or nails done.   It might be taking an hour to relax and read a book or go to the movie.  Whatever it is that helps you, do take time out for yourself.
   2. Recognize that you are not perfect. There is only one you, and you cannot be all things to all people.  God did not make us that way.  So, cut yourself some slack.
   3. Ask for help. If you have siblings or others who will help in the caregiving role, please utilize them.  They may just be waiting on you to ask and/or tell them what you need them to do.  Establish what they can do to help, and schedule their assistance.
   4. Establish the boundaries you need to effectively manage caregiving with your family and work schedule. It’s okay to say no to those tasks that someone else can do for themselves or that can be delegated to another person.
   5. Get enough rest. Sleep deprivation harms our emotional well-being as well as our health.  We cannot help others if we are exhausted.
   6. Eat the right foods to fuel your body. This will help you to have the energy you need to accomplish those things that must be done as well as how well you are able to rest.
   7. It’s okay to have emotions. It’s okay to be upset about the situation.  Your feelings are just that – your feelings.  Take a moment to acknowledge your feelings, and then, move forward with getting those things done you must do.
   8. Set realistic expectations for you and your loved one. This is one of the harder things for me because I can’t control them, but I can control my reaction to them.
   9. Identify resources that are available to you and your loved one.
   10. Even if it’s just taking a short walk around the block daily.  This will help you when you are feeling hopeless to clear your head and to identify what’s important.

There are some legal documents that you’ll need to have in place.  You’ll need to get a power of attorney in place as well as advance directives, etc.  Obtaining a lawyer to help with this may be the best way to effectively resolve any loopholes and family issues.

Find out as much as you can about your loved one’s finances, medical care, and the disease they are dealing with. 

Develop a plan to do all these things and delegate appropriately.

Until next time,

Genell