You guys. I cannot stop. I don't usually write this much in a row but we have to hear this. Have to. Have to. Have to. I was listening to these ladies share their stories about their experience with disabilities when it struck me: we have got to be okay with imperfect care. Let me back up a bit and explain what I mean.
One of the precious ladies that spoke had had a spinal stroke. She was not supposed to live but pulled through. One side of her face is now paralyzed and while she can stand and walk, she struggles forcing her to need care. The other woman was married to a man who was in a terrible car accident. In turn, he suffered a severe brain injury and needs care daily. Other than being completely struck by their stories of stamina and grace, one of these ladies said something that hit me hard. She said, "I needed to learn to be okay with imperfect care."
Y'all, we need to be okay with imperfect care. Too often we don't care for or love on those in need because of our imperfections. We can't relate, we are too busy, we don't cook, we are afraid, and on and on. Can I just say that we will never be in a place where caring for another is easy. Never. We will never be able to fully relate because we are not them and we are not living their circumstances. It's okay. They don't need us to relate or understand, they just need us to be there letting them know they are not alone; that someone cares. We will never make the perfect meal or have enough time. Walk alongside them anyway. Love them as best you can. Be imperfect. Your presence matters more than what you can bring to the table.
There's another side of care that we need to accept. When we are the recipients of care, we need to give grace. I have heard negative comments regarding care people received before and it broke me. We have to realize that those caring for us and loving on us are imperfect messy people who just want to help. Let them love you the best way they know how. Open your heart and your mind to imperfect care. You will be blessed more than you think if you allow people in to love on you.
Love others and let them love you.
"Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:35
Love & Blessings,
Megan
One of the precious ladies that spoke had had a spinal stroke. She was not supposed to live but pulled through. One side of her face is now paralyzed and while she can stand and walk, she struggles forcing her to need care. The other woman was married to a man who was in a terrible car accident. In turn, he suffered a severe brain injury and needs care daily. Other than being completely struck by their stories of stamina and grace, one of these ladies said something that hit me hard. She said, "I needed to learn to be okay with imperfect care."
Y'all, we need to be okay with imperfect care. Too often we don't care for or love on those in need because of our imperfections. We can't relate, we are too busy, we don't cook, we are afraid, and on and on. Can I just say that we will never be in a place where caring for another is easy. Never. We will never be able to fully relate because we are not them and we are not living their circumstances. It's okay. They don't need us to relate or understand, they just need us to be there letting them know they are not alone; that someone cares. We will never make the perfect meal or have enough time. Walk alongside them anyway. Love them as best you can. Be imperfect. Your presence matters more than what you can bring to the table.
There's another side of care that we need to accept. When we are the recipients of care, we need to give grace. I have heard negative comments regarding care people received before and it broke me. We have to realize that those caring for us and loving on us are imperfect messy people who just want to help. Let them love you the best way they know how. Open your heart and your mind to imperfect care. You will be blessed more than you think if you allow people in to love on you.
Love others and let them love you.
"Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:35
Love & Blessings,
Megan
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