I recently finished a series of small group sessions for a Caregivers Support Group sponsored by our church. While digging for resources I came across a gem of a devotional book. I used some if its insightful and inspiring content in every session. Nell Noonan’s book, Not Alone is subtitled Encouragement for Caregivers, which is definitely an apt description.
Each brief two page devotional is rooted in Scripture and also draws upon her own experience as a long term caregiver for her husband and helper to others who are caregivers. She is honest about the ups and downs, the feelings and the discouragements too. This is part of what makes the book so helpful to those who are going through similar experiences caring for a loved one. She is an engaging writer and her imagery is strong and communicates well. Titles like Sheltering Wings, Silversmith, I Wish I Were a Kangaroo, and Erased It are examples. Nell also has a deep and active faith which has carried her through and which sparkles in the book and flows through to buoy up the reader as well.
In passing, the devotionals suggest helpful approaches for caregivers as well, but mostly they help with the deeper issue of perspective. They strengthen faith and point the soul to our Source of comfort and grace. I highly recommend this book for use in the devotional times of caregivers. It also served us very well for the devotional time in our caregivers support group.