In Response to Pat Robertsons Statment on Alzheimer’s and Divorce

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I was shocked to hear such a bold statement from Mr. Pat Robertson, 700 club host, who, on Tuesday's broadcast, justified that a person should not be held accountable for leaving his spouse and seeking divorce if his spouse has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. In this scenario Mr. Robertson has shown the world that one's personal comfort, especially in the case of having a spouse with a chronic illness, is more important than the marriage vows of "for better or for worse, until death do us part." The religious broadcaster Pat Robertson and chairman of the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) told his "700 Club" viewers that divorcing a spouse with Alzheimer's is justifiable because the disease is "a kind of death." During … [Read more...]

How Do You Explain Living With Illness to Your Church?

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"I want to be able to share the ups and downs but not sound like I am complaining. . ." "I've read about people who are presenting to their church staff about chronic illness, but that makes me too nervous. . ." "A deacon came by to visit me last week and she told me I looked fabulous and that the tests I had to have later that day were 'no big deal.' I wish I could gracefully give her some tips, but I don't want to hurt her feelings." We have a wonderful new tool! A DVD with 24 tips of 2-3 minutes each that are perfect for a church staff to watch. You could give a copy of this DVD to the women's ministry director, perhaps the pastor's wife who you heard is chronically ill. Encourage your congregational care team to watch a couple of … [Read more...]

Testimony: Why Do Churches Need HopeKeepers Small Group Ministries?

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In coming months I will be sharing more of your testimonies about your involvement in small groups, the Sunroom, on Facebook, daily devotionals--wherever Rest Ministries has touched your life. Print, audio, or videos are all welcome if you're interested in sharing. Lisa From a woman we will call Samantha, who has been a part of a HopeKeepers in Southern California that has met for over 10 years. I was a young Christian woman, just starting my career, newly in love, and full of hopes for the future. Then, one day, chronic pain entered my life and set up a long-term stay. Now, over 20 years later, I live in constant severe pain. Do I have many moments of questioning, tears and frustration? If I said I didn't, I'd be giving false … [Read more...]

New DVD From RM Helps Communicate Our Needs to Churches

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"I just wish there was a way I could help my pastor understand what it's like to live with a chronic illness." If you've ever felt this way, we have a new and fabulous tool we think you will love! I have been working on this since late 2010 and am excited it's all ready! … [Read more...]

Why, As Christians, We Must Go Beyond “You Look So Good!”

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I recently had a pastor asked me, "If someone comes to church who is chronically ill and they have not looked great recently, and now they look better than usual, is it not okay to then say 'You look so good'?" I thought about it for a moment and replied, "Well, if it was me, I would think, 'Gee, I must have been looking really terrible!' As much as I intellectually know it is a compliment, it would not make me feel good, but rather worse about myself." "I understand what you're saying," said another woman. "Because it is still a comment on our outward appearance." Scripture tells us, "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) When we … [Read more...]

A Gift For a Best Friend Who Is Ill Can Be Patio Decorations

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When you have a friend who is ill, it can be difficult to think of some fresh ideas for small little things to bring some cheer to his or her life. In this video, Lisa Copen, author of "Beyond Casseroles: 505 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend" supplies ideas of gifts to cheer up a friend who is ill, which can be store bought or homemade wind chimes, gardening tools for arthritis or garden flags. It can be nice to bring real flowers or plants, but then the person who is ill can feel guilty when the plants die. See how a cute decorative garden flower or wind chime can be a wonderful present. You can find more of these videos all at one web site, beyondcasserolesvideos.com . … [Read more...]

Have a Friend With Illness? Let Her Cry!

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Okay, so this sounds a bit tough, but it's not meant to be. Too often tears make us feel uncomfortable and we are quick to offer biblical quotes of encouragement to suffering friends with illness instead of just listening. It can truly be an honor and a gift when someone feels they can cry in our presence. Join me, Lisa Copen, http://BeyondCasseroles.com author, as I explain that though we may be quick to say, "Big girls dont cry!" tears can be okay! You can find more of these videos all at one web site, beyondcasserolesvideos.com . … [Read more...]

Does Grief Have a Timeline?

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By Georgia Shaffer "My friend is stuck in grief. . . what can I do to help?"  This is a question I often hear, and I've learned to ask, "What do you mean your friend is stuck in grief?"  Usually they will say something like, "Well, her husband died 14 months ago, and she's still very depressed.  Isn't it about time she moves forward with her life?"  Or, they may say, "His wife moved out a year ago, and he's in worse shape now than when she left him." Surprisingly, the problem isn't that these people are stuck in grief. The issue is that their friends don't realize how long it can take to heal and rebuild after a heart-wrenching loss.  As a psychologist and someone who has experienced deep sorrow, I've seen too many people hurt by … [Read more...]

We Really Need to Talk: Authors of “Sick and Tired of Feeling Sick and Tired” Have New Book on Communication

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By: Paul J. Donoghue, PhD and Mary E. Siegel, PhD We all need to talk to relieve tension within us and to connect with people who matter to us. But those of us who are ill really need to talk. Illness threatens our well being, evokes strong emotions, heightens our needs, and makes us more dependent on others. To cope well with all these factors we need to talk. Yet illness often leads us to isolate, to retreat into out own world of pain, fatigue, vulnerability, and fear. When we emerge from our silence, we frequently drive away those we need by blurting our thoughts formed by fear. Blame: You don't care! You don't understand! You only think of yourself. Hopeless remarks: Why don't you just leave me? I can't take it … [Read more...]

Chaplain Links and Publications

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Other Chaplaincy Links of Interest American Association of Pastoral Counselors AAPC is evolving into a more diverse professional organization serving within an increasingly complex world. Our members now represent a broader spectrum of theological and spiritual traditions and work among a wide variety of health care providers and settings. American College of Physicians Home Care Guide for Advanced Cancer An excellent resource for chaplaincy caregiving for those undergoing cancer treatments, through all the processes from grieving, to symptoms of treatments, respite, death, etc. Great resources for the chaplain to utilize to be there for the entire family. COMISS Network: The Network on Ministry in Specialized Settings A network … [Read more...]

Soul Surfer The Movie Releases 4/8; The Biography of Bethany Hamilton

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SOUL SURFER is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again. Based on the Bethany Hamilton bio, the Soul Surfer movie has already inspired millions of people worldwide through the love of her family, her sheer determination, and her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. The biography of Bethany Hamilton is pretty amazing: Soul Surfer casting is an all-star team, including AnnaSophia Robb and Helen Hunt, with Carrie Underwood in her film debut, and Dennis Quaid. The Soul Surfer movie release date is April 8th. You can find out more details at the Soul Surfer IMBD web site, or www.bethanyhamilton.com , or read the biography of … [Read more...]

Specialized Chaplaincy Organizations

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Specialized Chaplaincy Organizations Corporate Chaplains of America (CCA) The organization employs full time, long term, career chaplains who combine workplace experience with professional chaplaincy training. In addition to holding seminary level or higher degrees, all chaplains will pursue certification through 154 hours of continuing education within the first year of tenure. Federation of Fire Chaplains The purpose of this organization is to bring together individuals and groups who are interested in providing effective chaplaincies for fire service organizations. Its members exchange and share ideas and concerns that influence the quality of life of all members of the fire service and their families. International Conference of … [Read more...]

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