The Lord continues to be gracious and kind to this ministry. It still amazes me and I stand in awe of His provisions and the work He allows me to do.
I met a lady this week that I know the Lord would have me tell you about. She is one of those people who thinks the entire world is out to get her. All the doctors are evil. She has had 30-something caregivers and every one of them either stole from her, abused her or tried to kill her. She wants to sue an attorney and has called 50+ attorneys and no one wants to take her case. She thinks everyone is in conspiracy against her. I have not had to deal with anyone like her in a while. It was an interesting visit. As I listened to her all I could think of is “What is it that I can do for this lady?” I did ask her that question. She is looking for a doctor that makes house calls! She has a 14 year old dog that is on his way out of this world and she refuses to leave his side. She takes him everywhere she goes – when she does leave the house. So, in my heart, I know that the only thing I can do for her is pray for her. I was glad for the opportunity to at least try to be there for her. I was also glad for the opportunity to see just how I would respond in a situation like that.
Unfortunately, it is all too common that people have unrealistic expectations. I firmly believe that another all too common problem is people’s preconceived notions about how things should be or how things work. All too often I have to un-do something that someone has said about Social Security or Medicare or Medicaid or some other benefit program. Things change a lot. And in the last year or so there have been a lot of changes in Medicaid and Medicare. But, I am blessed to be able to keep up with these changes and try to steer people in the right direction.
I have had some milestones recently and there are some milestones to come in the near future.
I lost another client in June. Patricia Benson went home to be with the Lord on June 5th. It was a privilege to work with her and her daughter over the last five years or so. I am also always honored to be a part of someone’s last days. And I had that with Pat. As she entered Hospice, I was able to be there with her and be support to her and her family for those last precious days.
My best friend’s mother passed away just 10 days ago. While I knew she was ill, it still was hard to hear. I have been close to that family over the last 25 years. So, it was hard for me to see them hurting so – especially his dad.
And this only reminds me of the short time my own father has left on this earth. I spoke to my sister today about my dad. He has been non-responsive since Monday. Today they removed his feeding tube because his body is not processing food properly. I’ve known he has been declining for a while. The reality of the eminence of his death is hard to swallow at this point. But, I rest assured in God’s Divine Sovereignty over his life and I trust in Him to make all things come together for His good and according to His purpose.
I am working with a lady who is trying to get on disability. It has been tedious for her. She is one who has heard a lot about the process. Even recently a cousin tried to tell her she should qualify for something when she does not. As in the past I had to get on the phone with this guy to question what he is getting so I could explain the difference to her so she could understand better. It is frustrating for someone to be in the position she is in. She has absolutely no resources. Her siblings are helping some. She had surgery recently and is recovering from that. I am certain that the Lord is trying to help her to see that she cannot do it all on her own and it is OK to be dependent on someone else. Ultimately, she needs to recognize her need for the Lord in her life and that she needs to be dependent on Him and Him alone. I pray that the Lord would use me in her life to open her eyes to see Him clearly.
I continue to work with a few other people – the same for three or four years now. Some more recent. I do a few doctor appointments weekly. I set up medication for one lady. I have successfully pushed one lady to more independence. It was not an easy task. But, it was for her benefit. And I am glad she is finally a little more independent than she was a year ago.
While I thoroughly enjoy “serving” – there is a balance. If I serve to the point of making someone dependent on me, then I do them an injustice. So, I try hard to be there for people while also helping them to succeed to the best of their abilities.
I continue to minister to some in my church. That focus tends to be a little different – but, nonetheless an area the Lord has me working. It is a joy to help people seek out benefits and avenues of help and also help them get back on their feet. As one who has been there in the past, I am always humbled as the Lord uses me to minister to someone who is walking in my old shoes.
And, the part of this that is my least favorite – asking for money. But, it is a reality of this ministry. God has called me to serve in this way. And He has called me to be dependent totally and completely on Him for my provision. He has used many of you to that end. So, I ask you all again to consider a donation at this time. Remember, all donations are tax deductible. There will be expenses incurred over the next month that will need covering. While there is a small amount of funds in my account, it is getting low. I am asking for $2,000 to cover the month of July.
As always thank you for your prayers and considerations.
“The LORD bless you, and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26