Episode Summary:

Jess Ronne and I talk about self-care for the caregiver. You may not currently be in a caregiver role but at some point in our lives many of us find ourselves there. Today’s guest is the mother of eight children, one of whom has profound special needs, and she was the caregiver for her husband who suffered for three years with brain cancer. She shares today about what she’s learned regarding self-care for the caregiver.

Quotables from the episode:

• As a caregiver, my life depends on respite. Sometimes we have to search for pockets of respite.
• As a caregiver, we need to be intentional about good habits to take care of ourselves so we can continue caring for others.
• Self-care is taking care of your body (exercise, nutrition, adequate sleep) so we can continue caring for others.
• As a caregiver, you may need to ask your spouse when they can give you a little time for yourself that fits around their needs and schedule.
• One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through caregiving is not to get caught up looking at the future and trying to control it.
• As a caregiver, your job is to stay obedient to what God called you to do and release control to God.
• The caregiver’s to-do list never ends.
• Caregivers desperately want to be seen. 

Scripture References:

• Psalm 23:1-3 “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths bringing honor to his name.
• Isaiah 35:10 NLT “Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return. They will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be filled with joy and gladness.”

Recommended Resources: 

• Sunlight Burning at Midnight by Jessica Ronne
• Blended with Grip and Grace: Just Keep Livin’ When Life is Unexpected by Jessica Ronne
• Unseen: Exposing the Mental Health Crisis Among Special Needs Caregivers 
• TheLucasProject.org
• 10 Scriptures of Encouragement for Caregivers
• Hope and Help for How To Avoid Caregiver Burnout – Episode 12
• Caring for the Caregiver
• Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• Trusting God Through Cancer 1
• Trusting God Through Cancer 2
• Revive & Thrive Women's Conference
• YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1
• YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2
• Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide 
• Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip
• Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
• Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
• How To Help a Depressed Loved One free eBook

Social Media Links for Host and Guest:

Connect with Jess Ronne:

Website Jess / Website Lucas Project / Facebook Lucas Project / Instagram Jess / Instagram Lucas Project

For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:

Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube

Guest:

Jess Ronne is an author, speaker, documentary producer, and caregiver advocate. She is the founder and executive director of The Lucas Project—a non-profit dedicated to provide recognition, resources, and respite for special needs families. She and her husband, Ryan, live in Tennessee with their 8 children, including their son, Lucas, who has profound special needs. Her story of beauty from ashes has been shared on The Today Show, Daily Mail, and Huffington Post, and is detailed in her memoir Sunlight Burning at Midnight. To follow the ongoing saga, she can be found at Jessplusthemess.com or thelucasproject.org.

Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

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