As a caregiver for decades, I know what encouragement and support feel and look like. I understand the positive impact both can have.
That’s why I started SHAMMAH’S TOUCH, a charitable nonprofit organization, whose mission is to remind caregivers and those being cared for that “The Lord is There.” (Ezekiel 48:35)
Yes, God is there––whether the caregiver finds her or himself on the mountaintop or in the trenches of despair. He uses people as his hands and feet to tangibly touch the lives of those navigating caregiving journeys.
A visit, call, text, personal note, prayer, warm smile, hug, gift, meal, respite, an uplifting message: Each can go a long way in meeting a need, lifting spirits, or brightening a day. These are some of the things that Shammah’s Touch seeks to do.
Our God is a God of hope. He promises he will never leave or forsake us.
Caring for those who care…
“As Janice’s pastor for more than 20 years, I know her heart for God and His people. I’ve seen her compassion in action – extending to young struggling teens, the disabled, and the elderly. So, when Mother Emma needed a caregiver, I wasn’t surprised when she and her siblings stepped up to the plate. Their powerful story is one of love for our Heavenly Father and their mother. It’s a story of perseverance and trust. This book is sure to bless other families going through similar situations.”
Reverend Timothy Dicks, Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, St. Matthews, South Carolina
CAREGIVING
According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), 53.5 million persons in the United States are unpaid caregivers.
They care for elderly parents, ill spouses, sisters and brothers with chronic conditions, and children with disabilities. They attend to physical needs, navigate social systems, and collaborate with medical and service providers.
Caregiving can be rewarding, helping to strengthen the relationship between the person being cared for and the person doing the caring.
Caregiving can help build personal resilience, grow patience, and deepen the capacity to demonstrate compassion.
Caregiving can be challenging, demanding, and stressful.
Caregiving can negatively impact those providing care – especially if they neglect their own physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Caregivers need encouragement and support.
Scriptural References
Click the arrows below to read the scriptures. All scriptures are taken from the New King James Version (NKJV).
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And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”
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Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
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I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.
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God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
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Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?
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Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
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But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.
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The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
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…teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
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38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, northings present nor things to come,
39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.