My neighbor Debbie was ill, and I wanted to care for her, but I didn’t know what to do. It would be so helpful if individuals would just tell me how to help them. But that isn’t always practical, because when someone is ill, it can be difficul

Holiday Gifts for the Elderly

Nov 30th, 2023 1m

Do you know an elderly relative or friend and wonder what to give them for Christmas? Here are some holiday gift ideas that are sure to show you care. Or how about a gift that gives all year long? What if you made a promise to visit your elderl

A Porcupine’s Lesson in Caregiving

Oct 25th, 2023 1m

What can a porcupine teach us about caregiving? In Martin Bell’s book, The Way of the Wolf, he tells the story about a porcupine who was a misfit in society and had no friends: One day, the porcupine stumbled upon a raccoon who had been shot an

And a Child Shall Lead Us

Aug 3rd, 2023 1m

One summer day on my way home, I passed a lemonade stand, giving it a quick glimpse and a smile thinking “Ah, cute young girls and their little lemonade stands.” However, later that day when I passed the lemonade stand again, I noticed a sign

Tears are Good for the Suffering and Caregivers Too

Jul 11th, 2023 1m

Did you know that crying is great for you? Well, I didn’t know that either, but at a caregiving workshop, a nurse told us, “Tears are good for your health.” So, I went home, and I looked it up on Google and found more than 13 reasons that it’s

Beyond Platitudes: How to Offer Genuine Comfort to the Suffering

Jun 5th, 2023 1m

Did you know that the word “comfort” is derived from a Greek word that means “to come alongside and encourage?” God says, “Go comfort my People” and asks us to walk alongside someone during their times of pain. It’s a profound reminder that tru

When to Avoid Saying “I Understand”

Jun 5th, 2023 1m

Dr. Rachel Remen, author of Kitchen Table Wisdom, wrote, “When people are talking . . . listen to what they’re saying. Care about it. Don’t interrupt.” I clearly remember a situation when I was sharing my distress over my mother’s stroke with

Remembering to Reach Out: Tips for Keeping Others in Mind

Jun 1st, 2023 1m

I did it again! I just hate it when I forget to do important things. This time I forgot to call my niece on her birthday. She had been feeling alone lately, so it was especially important that I connect with her. But the day came and went, and

To the Man in Seat 19D, I Am Sorry!

Jun 1st, 2023 1m

I wish I could find and talk with a man who was on Flight # DL 2297, Minneapolis to Grand Rapids, Michigan on May 1, 2023. I want to apologize to him for treating him badly. It all started when I was in the middle seat and Larry, my husband,

We Can All Make a Difference

May 23rd, 2023 1m

A note from Karen: I read this story in Chicken Soup for the Soul. Further research indicated that this story originally appeared in The Star Thrower by Loren Eiseley. It is a wonderful story about how each of us can make a difference. Starfis

God’s Promises

Apr 24th, 2023 1m

A note to readers: when we reach out to care for someone who is suffering, conversations may turn to God. Perhaps you will find wisdom in the following words. May it help you care for others. Confused. Wondering. Questioning: Why does God allo

Encourage One Another

Mar 27th, 2023 2m

“Encourage one another daily.” (Hebrews 3:13.) When did you last encourage someone? Here’s a story for inspiration. One summer day my sister and I were walking down the beach in Florida when we noticed at a distance a group of people standing

My First 30 Days on a Cancer Journey

Feb 28th, 2023 1m

One month ago, cancer became up-close and personal. For years, I have listened to individuals tell their cancer stories. I have read volumes of information about cancer. I have prayed for those with cancer. My ministry’s mission is to offer “ho

Spoken Gifts

Jan 23rd, 2023 1m 1s

There have been many special presents over the years which I have unwrapped and enjoyed; however, some of my most treasured gifts were not wrapped with paper but spoken to me by individuals who know me and love me – individuals who have: Rejoic

Are You Ready for Christmas?

Nov 30th, 2022 1m

I have the following poem by Henry Van Dyke on my refrigerator to remind me each day during Advent to get ready for the Christmas celebration. Are you willing— to stoop down and consider the needs and desiresof little children;to remember the w

Let’s Make Every Day World Kindness Day

Oct 24th, 2022 1m

We have a saying in our ministry: “Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.” This is a perfect time to reflect on that saying because November 13 is World Kindness Day. The next two months will be full of holiday celebrations, which c

Don’t Just Do Something, Stand There

Aug 29th, 2022 1m

So far as we know, Jesus’ brothers and sisters were not present at the crucifixion. With one exception, his disciples were no-shows. The people whose sight Jesus had restored, whose bodies he had healed, they weren’t present. But when Jesus loo

Kleenex and a Hug, Please

May 9th, 2022 1m

Someone once told me, “If you are with a person who is crying, do not hand them a Kleenex.” Surprised, I questioned why? He said, “because that signals to them that you want them to stop crying.” Really? Please listen to this: If your frien

The Nature of Dis Order

May 5th, 2022 2m 42s

Trigger Warning: Mention of intense body image I’ve reached the point where ‘Wow! You look amazing! I can definitely tell you’ve lost weight’ Isn’t a compliment anymore But on the exterior I’m not the type of girl you question So you say “how d

Kids Can Handle the Truth

Apr 11th, 2022 1m

I lied to my daughter. She asked me, while we were standing on the shoreline of the ocean, “What if I get stung by a Man o’ War?” To which I quickly replied, “You won’t”. I wanted her to be brave. I didn’t want her to be afraid or scared of the

I Have Been Married for 57 Years, But . . .

Jan 10th, 2022 1m

The post I Have Been Married for 57 Years, But . . . appeared first on Wisdom of the Wounded.

When Someone You Love is in Pain

Jun 7th, 2021 1m

By: Colleen Arnold, MD Pain is a universal experience. Whether it is the temporary hurt of a broken ankle or something more permanent like arthritis, every single human being suffers it at some point in their lives. There is no such thing as a

Stand up Before the Gray Head

Jun 4th, 2021 1m

God tells us, “You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man (or woman), and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:32 Maybe I like this strong directive from God because at this point in my life I am

Be There Even When You Don’t Want To

Apr 15th, 2021 1m

Jesus tells us, “Love your neighbor,” and he does not add, “when you feel like it.” Deanna Thompson is Professor of Religion at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota and has written a book about her journey with Stage IV breast cancer. The

3 Ways to Respect Those in a Nursing Home

Mar 24th, 2021 1m

When I visited with my mother in the nursing home I always enjoyed talking with a woman named Susan, who, despite significant physical challenges, always seemed to choose the positive in any given situation. During our meaningful chats, Susan s