At some point in our lives we are all caregivers. Whether caring for an infant or a loved one with a 
chronic illness, we all have been there. Sometimes we consider caregiving just a natural part of our life at the moment, at other times it’s doesn’t seem normal. Caring for my infants was a normal part of being a mother. Caring for my dad when he needed the same type of care as an infant wasn’t normal. The one thing that wasn’t different is why I took care of these people I loved, at both ends of live: Because I love them.
It is that aspect of caregiving that Cecil Murphey and Twila Belk bring out in their book, Because You Care: Spiritual Encouragement for Caregivers. This short book (less than fifty pages) has stories that are easy and quick to read. Each story invokes a response of “Yes. You do understand. Yes. That’s how I feel today.”
Murphey and Belk are both long-term caregivers. Although they tell of their own situation throughout the book, there is no sense of self-pity or self-aggrandizement. This is their life. Both writers admit that it’s hard, but with God’s strength, they move on. As you read each chapter, you know that there two people, along with the others included in the book, have the same weaknesses that you may feel you have.
You are not just left with feeling like you have just found fellow prisoners, but rather you have joined a group of encouragers and overcomers. As I read through each chapter, I had the sense of being in the company of friends who are holding hands as we trod the same path.
Because You Care ends with a couple of pages of practical suggestions for strength and encouragement. These are not just nice platitudes such as “Make time for yourself.” The authors have included the tough things like “When the situation demands that you get tough, do it.” (That was one of the hardest caregiving task I had when caring for my dad.)
Buy two copies of Because You Care; one for yourself and one to give away. Keep your copy handy at your favorite reading spot, so you can return to it whenever you need a friend and supporter.
Because You Care: Spiritual Encouragement for Caregivers
Cecil Murphey & Twila Belk
Harvest House Publisher
ISBN: 978-0736943284
Hardback: $12.99
Because You Care Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Because-You-Care-Spiritual-Encouragement-for-Caregivers/250527628357568
About the Authors
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.
For more info about Twila, visit www.gottatellsomebody.com.
For more info about Cec, visit www.cecilmurphey.com.
Giveaway
Leave a comment about Because You Care or about the authors, and your name will be entered into a drawing for the following grand prize:
Grand Prize Giveaway Description
- Book—Because You Care: Spiritual Encouragement for Caregivers
- Book—Hope and Comfort for Every Season
- Hallmark journal, list pad, and memo pad stack
- Glade “Angel Whispers” candle
- Hershey’s Bliss dark chocolate
Drawing will be open until October 10.
Thank you so much for shaing your kind words about Because You Care. As a caregiver for both my parents, who were in hospice, at the same time, I had a brief but intense experience as a caregiver. So much of this book I found reassuring and helpful.
Thanks again for the review.
Gail
Susan, thanks for showcasing our book Because You Care and for your review. You captured the message perfectly in the last line of your first paragraph–you cared for your infants as a mother and your dad when he needed your help “Because I love them.” Caring for our loved ones isn’t always easy, but through the process we learn about ourselves, our loved ones, and about our God who cares greatly for us.