Tune in to hear Joni and Ken have an in-depth interview about the importance of caregiving.
JONI: I love that November is National Family Caregiving Month!
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and I want to honor my amazing husband as one of the best caregivers I know. Sure, I have got friends who help me with my disability routines, but there’s no caregiver quite as faithful as Ken Tada. And I’m so glad that Ken is here to talk about it today. Welcome, husband of mine!
KEN: Well, thank you Joni and it’s such a privilege to be here and to be talking about this one area that I love.
JONI:Yup, yup, I know you do. And like you just heard Ken; you’ve done a great service to God by helping me.
KEN: Well, you know, it’s interesting Joni because in Scripture – especially I can point to specifically Colossians 3:23 that says, “…do your work heartily as unto the Lord not as unto men...” And you know, people will ask, “Well, what about this caregiving?” You know, what’s neat is I’m doing it for the Lord. And it just so happens you’re the recipient.
JONI: Well, that Bible verse you just shared should give every caregiver a framework for serving their loved one. And Ken, I know you know this, that a biblical underpinning is so necessary, right?
KEN: Oh, absolutely!
JONI: There are times when every caregiver feels tired, lonely. Do you ever feel overwhelmed and discouraged?
KEN: I feel overwhelmed and discouraged, but you know, there’s something greater. You know, the love for Jesus and knowing that you’re doing exactly what he wants you to do.
JONI: Yeah, it’s kind of a calling, isn’t it?
KEN: Oh, it’s a calling and it’s something that you realize you are exactly where God wants you to be.
JONI: Well, you’ve got a clear vision, don’t you, of your calling from God. It happened up in Montana, right?
KEN: Oh, yeah, you know, I was fortunate to be on a fly-fishing trip in Montana. And the leader of the group; we usually use some type of book or subject matter in which we can discuss the bigger picture. And one of them was to go out and hear what God has to say to you. And so, I can still remember. I was walking on top of this dam, and I just happened to be part way through. And I can even remember seeing the white rock. And all of a sudden, I heard God’s voice say, “Joni is the most important gift I’ve given you. You take care of her.”
JONI: Wow!
KEN: When I was thinking about hearing God’s voice; in my mind I’m thinking, “Well, gee, I do that already. I help Joni. I do all these things.” But no, I heard God say, “You know, Joni, is the most important gift I’ve given you. You take care of her.” And I didn’t understand it then. It all came to fruition a couple years later when you were first diagnosed with cancer.
JONI: Yeah. So, for you, it’s an anointed service. I know that it pleases the Lord. For others listening, who are caregivers. It’s possible to hold fast to a vision to just a couple of Bible verses. I mean, just consider how the following verses speak on caregiving. Whether you’re doing it for a child in a wheelchair, for a disabled adult. Galatians 6 says, “While we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone. Especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
KEN: You know and Joni, there’s Philippians 2:4. It says, “Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”
JONI: And here’s another one in Galatians 6: “Bear one another’s burdens and fulfill the law of Christ.” And friend listening, if you are a caregiver, please visit joniradio.org and you’ll find a link to an episode on the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast. It’s called “Alzheimer’s: Help and Hope for Caregivers.” And it’s by Susan Wahlers. So, if you’re helping someone with dementia, here’s a wonderful resource. Just go to joniradio.org and click on the link. And don’t forget, National Family Caregivers Month is all about honoring you if you’re a caregiver!
© Joni and Friends