Abiding Hearts Blog

Abiding Hearts Widows Ministry Teams

2/25/2024

Care Team: A small group that wants to work together to care for one of our widows. This is a great way to serve together and live life with a widow as you help us look after her/his needs.

Care Team Plan: This plan is designed to see a widow for 2-3 hours one day every other week. However, more time spent caring for our widows is always needed, welcomed and encouraged.

7 Practical Care Team Acts of Love:

First Priority-spend time in God’s word, in prayer and in worship (kinda like small group time or house church time)
Lawn maintenance, light housekeeping, home repairs, water flowers
Play a game, do a craft
Prepare a meal or several meals for your widow and sometimes share a meal or snack with them
Help your widow with the monthly Bible topic (we can provide an outline for you to follow)
Run an errand for your widow, take her flowers or a little treat
Each widow’s care and oversight cost about $300/month. Each family in your small group could contribute towards your widows ongoing care, or you could raise money as a small group to support the care your widow needs. All donations are tax deductible and all funds go directly to meeting the needs of your widow.

Please reach out to us if God is placing it on your hearts to partner with us and live life with us as we visit widows in their time of need.
(205)790-2433
www.abidingheartshomecare.com

ELDERLY WIDOWS NEED HELP

12/12/2022

The current growth of the U.S. population ages 65 and older is unprecedented. The CDC now predicts that people reaching 65 years of age have an additional life expectancy of 19 years. Adults 85 years and older make up the fastest growing segment of the older adult population, and are the most likely to have chronic care needs. “The proportion of older people living alone increases with advancing age, especially for women...with 55 percent of women over the age of 85 living alone” (Tabloski, 2020). The majority of elderly widows live alone, and living alone is a serious adverse social determinant of health. In 2019 the National Center for Elder Abuse reported that each year more than two million older adults become victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation. Living alone undoubtedly presents a greater risk for adverse health events and outcomes.
According to the Administration on Aging, there are wide disparities in the economic and physical welfare of older adults. Current census data shows that more than 5.8 million older adults in the United States live at or below the poverty level, and older adults are at highest risk for complicated chronic health issues (Tabloski, 2020). The Alabama Department of Public Health reports that nearly one-fourth of Alabama residents are age 60 and older, and Alabama’s elderly population is expected to increase by 82.4 percent by 2040 with the largest growth expected to occur in Shelby County. (https://www.alabampublichealth.gov/healthrankings/geriatrics.html).
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services indicates that in the state of Alabama 831,907 older adults are enrolled in Medicare. An additional 205,633 older adults are dually enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid due to low income status (U.S.Department, 2007). Therefore, serving as healthcare advocates for elderly widows is fundamental in helping them achieve equitable high-quality care, desirable health outcomes and a good quality of life. Abiding Hearts Ministry was established to bring care to older widows who are vulnerable, neglected, and without adequate access to needed care because of physical and social barriers.
Health equity means that everyone has access to high-quality care. “The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality defines quality health care as doing the right thing, for the right patient, at the right time, in the right way to achieve the best possible results” (National Academies, 2021). Social determinants of health have a significant effect on healthcare access and outcomes, and there is growing evidence of inequities in healthcare specifically in the older adult population. This is primarily due to an inability to access quality care. Health inequity among older adults is deeply rooted in complex social determinants of health such as economic instability, lack of transportation, lack of family support, and food instability (National Academies, 2021). In the last blog post we shared that Alabama has consistently allocated fewer funds toward home and community based health services than other states. Subsequently, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) scorecard report has ranked Alabama as one of the lowest five states. The scorecard analyzes state performances in providing high-quality systems of care for older adults. According to the AARP, “at the current national rate of change,” it will take 36 years for the five lowest ranked states to reach the same level of quality achieved by the top five ranked states in providing care for older adults.
Elderly widows have limited functional capacity as a result of normal aging processes, and unfortunately the majority of them are also burdened with multiple chronic conditions and unmet needs. The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) reports a projected shortage of 25,000 physicians by the year 2025. Currently, there is only 1 Geriatrician for every 7,242 geriatric patients. Less than 18% of registered nurses work outside of the acute care hospital setting, and less than 1% of registered nurses specialize in Gerontology. The median income for older adults in the United States is $20,790 and social security constitutes 90% or more of their total income. Clearly, the elderly widows living in our communities need help, love and support on multiple levels. Many of their needs fall outside of or exceed what traditional insurance coverage will provide. They need ongoing chronic care management, advocacy and assistance. We invite you to pray for us and ask the Lord if He would enable you to partner with us by financially supporting Abiding Hearts Widows Ministry and/or volunteering your time and skills.

WIDOWS MINISTRY

12/5/2022

WIDOWS MINISTRY
1 Timothy 5:3
Honor widows who are truly widows indeed, (KJV).
Give proper recognition the those widows who are really in need, (NIV).
Take care of any widow who has no one else to take care of her, (NLT).

We seek to help elderly widows who are living with chronic health issues, and who have limited resources because God has called us to do so and it brings Him glory. Widows are often overlooked, forgotten and neglected. This was true in the days of the early church (see Acts 6) and it is true today. God's word has so much to say to us about taking care of widows. There are more than 75 Bible scriptures that talk about widows. James 1:27 says that pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for widows in their distress. In 1 Kings 17 the first person raised from the dead in the Bible was the son of a widow. In Luke 7 the first person Jesus raised from the dead was the son of a widow. While Jesus was dying on the cross he looked at the disciple John and instructed him to care for his widowed mother. Why wouldn't Jesus have appointed one of his brothers? Is it possible that because at that time even his own brothers did not in believe Him (see John 7), and that He was showing us that it is the body of Christ's responsibility and privilege to care for our widow sisters? In the Old Testament when we read about God instructing His people to live holy lives He instructs them to care for the widow (Deuteronomy 10, 24, 26). When God is rebuking them and bringing punishment upon the Israelite people, it is often because one of their many sins includes neglecting the widow (Deuteronomy 27, Isaiah 1, Isaiah 10, Jeremiah 22, Ezekiel 22, Malachi 3). In Isaiah 54:5 God Himself declares that when a husband dies, He will Himself become the husband to the widow. In Psalm 68:5 God declares that He is the Defender of the widow. It is clear that Jehovah Sabaoth, AKA The Lord of Heaven's Armies, has a very special and unique place in His heart for widows.

Genesis 1:27 says that God created human beings, male and female, in His own image to be a reflection of Himself. Then in Genesis 2:18 we are given a little more information about why God made human beings, male and female. He says that it was not good for man to be alone. Genesis 2:24 explains God's purpose in creating human beings, male and female. It says "this explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one." Together they best reflect the image of God and that is the main reason why it was not good for man to be alone. Jesus says in Mark 10:9 "let no one split apart what God has joined together" because the image and glory of God is at stake. The apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, further explains to us in Ephesians 5:31-32, "As the Scriptures say, 'A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.' This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one." So the primary reason that a man and a woman are united as one flesh in the marriage covenant is so that they can reflect the image of God and the relationship that exists between Christ and His bride, the church. No wonder God is fiercely passionate about caring for widows. When a widow is left alone, abandoned and neglected it is the very image of God that is dishonored.

The 2020 US Census Bureau reported that widows account for 30% of all older women, with more than three times as many widows as widowers, and that 55% of all women over the age of 85 live alone. Many people believe that widows are already being taken care of by the government, the healthcare system, retirement funds, and family members. However, this is simply NOT true. According to the Administration on Aging, there are wide disparities in the economic and physical welfare of elderly widows. Current census data shows that more than 5.8 million older adults in the US live at or below the poverty level, and older adults are at the highest risk for complicated chronic health issues. The state of Alabama consistently allocates fewer funds towards home and community based services compared to all other states; and, Alabama has ranked in the bottom five states since the beginning of the AARP long-term score card report. In 2019 the National Center for Elder Abuse reported that each year more than two million older adults become victims to abuse, neglect and exploitation; and, adults over the age of 75 have the highest suicide rate. In 2010 Alabama's elderly population was projected to grow by 82.4% before 2040, meaning that the number of widows living alone with complicated healthcare, spiritual, mental and social needs is drastically increasing.

Widows need to be reminded that they are loved and invaluable to God, that they still have purpose in life and that Jesus will never forsake them, and that the promises of God will never fail them. Therefore, for the glory of God we go to care for the widow in her distress and time of need.

Honor widows who are true widows, 1 Timothy 5:3

11/22/2022

We met Ms.Judy Brownson in 2015 and she quickly became our "Mamma Judy" and "Ju-Ju" to our children. We had the immense joy and privilege of living life with this sweet lady for 6 1/2 years. We laughed together, sang together, and cried together. Every single week we studied God's word together, prayed together and grew in faith together. We had the joy of meeting and helping her manage many of her healthcare needs, taking her to Dr appointments, picking up Rx for her, cooking with and for her, cleaning her home and doing laundry with her, planting flowers for her, making her home environment safer and more handicap friendly. We had the privilege of seeing a true Biblical example of a widow who was faithfully persistent in prayer and who had her hope fixed on God (Like 18 and 1 Timothy 5). Judy was a prayer warrior, a lover of Jesus, and a lover of people. Despite being widowed for nearly 10 years, home-bound, living with many complicated health issues, and being wheelchair bound 95% of the time, Ms. Judy had the biggest heart of gratitude and optimism. She ALWAYS had something to be thankful for and she ALWAYS saw the cup as half full. She reflected the compassionate heart of Jesus and always sought for ways that she could help neighbors and friends, though she herself lived with significant needs. Ms. Judy truly became a mamma to us. She nurtured us, encouraged us, exhorted us, and set a Christ like example for us. She cared for us, prayed for us, held us, called to check on us, sat at the door waiting for us and then sat at that same door with tears streaming down her face when it was time for us to leave after visiting with her. Ms. Judy is one of the greatest blessings in our lives. We had the joy and privilege of sharing 6 1/2 years with her, and then the bitter sweet honor of holding her hand and singing her into the presence of Jesus. Not a day goes by that we don't miss her smile, her laugh, her prayers and her hugs. Our faces can not help but erupt into a huge smile every time she crosses our mind and we ponder what all she may be doing and saying to Jesus at any given moment.

Judith Anne Brownson, July 18, 1942-May 3, 2022 (obituary posted on dignitymemorial.com)

September 2021: great loss, great need and GREAT HOPE

10/12/2022

He who sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give thoughtfully and with purpose just as he has decided in his heart to give. God loves a cheerful giver. God is able to make all grace come in abundance to you, so that you will always have everything you need, and also have an abundance for good works and acts of charity. He who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness shown in acts of goodness, kindness, and love. When we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.
(scripture paraphrase from the Amplified and NLT versions of 2 Corinthians 9: 6-15)

As we wrap up the 6th year of ministry we face great loss, great need and great Hope. We have journeyed with so many precious friends over the last 6 years and we have lost 4 of them in the last 6 months. Please visit our ministry blog at www.abidingheartshomecare.com to see their beautiful faces and read their amazing stories. The loss, the pain, the grief, the exhaustion are real and heavy. However, we knew that this would be a part of the journey in healthcare ministry and it is SO WORTH IT!!! God has affirmed eternal ramifications beyond measure in so many ways and the love that we have shared in Christ with others is an eternal irrevocable reward and treasure. Therefore, with Christ as our Anchor, Sustainer, Guide and Defender we anticipate with GREAT HOPE all that He will do in the next season of ministry.

At this present time we have a great need. This ministry is supported by the generosity of many who give sacrificially. This ministry has been sustained by long term care insurance policies or private financial resources that some patients have to privately pay for care. The other patients we serve receive care strictly through donations and careful budgeting of private payer compensations. We intentionally limit the number of private paying patients we serve so we can serve more patients who do not have family or financial resources. Thus, our financial needs are based on our patients’ ability to pay for the care we provide. Three of the four patients we recently lost were private payers. Therefore, at this time we have more patients who need donation help than those who do not. We will continue to serve those without family or resources and we need your help to do that. We will remain faithful in prayer and are confident that the Lord will once again send the financial support needed to sustain this ministry. We ask you to partner with us in prayer and monthly financial donations.

1. Please pray that God will lead us to find the people we need to help and that He will send people to help us.
2. Pray for us to abide in God’s word, trust Him completely & serve faithfully
3. Pray for the people we serve to see God’s love and be drawn to Him
4. Pray regarding a scholarship grant we are applying for through the American Nurses Association in collaboration with another like minded healthcare professional

in Christ-
Randy, Courtney & Abiding Hearts Volunteers

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In Honor of Our Precious Patt

4/26/2021

After Patt’s traumatic fall I thought and prayed a lot about the words I could share that would glorify God and honor His work in and through Patt’s life. What words would best describe this beautiful friend He brought into my life? Humble, Loving, Joyful, Full of Zeal, Kind and Gentle, Silly and Sassy and a bit stubborn at times, Forgiving, a Fighter, a Prayer Warrior, Patience, Endurance and Sincerity. The first passage of scripture the Lord brought to my mind is from Romans 12 “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer.”
This passage describes Patt. God used her as a beacon of light in the midst of a dark world. One day before Patt fell, she finished writing her testimony and Cathy typed it for her. Now Patt had always told us that many years ago she had written her testimony, but had been unable to find it, and she often commented on wishing that she could find it. The day before Patt’s Celebration of Life service, we unexpectedly received that original testimony in the mail from Patt’s sister in Nebraska. She found it packed away in a box somewhere.
The Friday evening after Patt had fallen on Wednesday I was crying at the reality that we would soon say goodbye for now, and laughing at some sweet memories of Patt. A silly memory came to my mind: About 3 months ago Patt started talking about wanting to find herself a husband. In jest we talked about this and suggested that perhaps a cat or a dog would suffice, and in all seriousness we warned her that there are crazy people in this world and that she was not to go looking on Facebook for a husband. In the midst of laughing at this memory, something profound pressed upon my heart. I heard these words, “her Bridegroom awaits.” My mind immediately went to a passage in Revelation 19:6-8 “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory!For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given to her to wear.” The One who planned and numbered every one of her days; the One who left his throne in heaven and gave Himself for her is Jesus, the Bridegroom, The Lamb of God. Revelation 22:4 tells us that she now sees Him face to face. Her life and her story have really just begun as described in these words from the last chapter of the last book in The Chronicles of Narnia written by CS Lewis: “the things that began to happen after that were so great and beautiful that I cannot write them. And, for us this is the end of all the stories…..but for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page; now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on Earth has read; which goes on forever; in which every chapter is better than the one before.”
God’s faithfulness and love were undeniable in Patt’s life, and her faith in Him prevailed as you will clearly see when you read both of her testimonies which I have included below.

With eternal thankfulness to God for Patt’s life and witness,
Courtney

Patt's First Testimony written in 1997:

Patt's 2nd Testimony written 24 years after the 1st one:

February 3, 1959-April 15, 2021
~Patricia "Patt"Murphree~
Our Sister Forever in Christ

Ministry Amidst COVID in 2020

4/25/2021

Committed to discipleship and getting creative with outreach so that those we love won’t feel forgotten and alone in the pandemic

Abiding in Christ and Persevering with Committed Hearts to care for the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of widows, elderly and chronically ill individuals
A global pandemic, sickness and death, civil unrest, natural disasters and brokenness everywhere, but God remains faithful and in control amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and strife of this year. This truth has spurred our hearts onward in an unwavering commitment to serve and minister to those most vulnerable among us. Things all around us are different. Uncertainties and unknowns abound. But, God! His steadfast love, grace and faithfulness remain rock solid. Abiding Hearts Ministry has contended in the faith to make this truth resound among those whose hearts Christ has entrusted to us. We have remained devoted and committed throughout every single week this year to serving, loving, embracing and caring for our widowed, elderly and chronically ill friends, even when COVID-19 restrictions mandate tele-care and socially distanced visits.

Easter cookies made by one of our board member’s family this year encouraged all of us with the truth that the tomb is still empty, Jesus is still on the throne and we can still praise Him and rejoice in Him even now! Especially Now!!!

Grace for the Widow

11/16/2019

"Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven." AND, "The world will know that you are Mine by the way you love one another."

11/15/2019

This kind, loving and generous man welcomed us into his home and his family almost 5 years ago. His time here on earth came to an end a few months ago and we now have the privilege of continuing to take care of his widow. Moments after his passing we got to see the fruition of Matthew 5:16 and John 13:35 has his family expressed in astonishing words that they had seen the very presence of God in our love towards them, and that they had never seen such a love before-that is must be God! And, indeed it was! To Christ be all the glory and thanks for our time with this precious friend.

Living, Serving and Celebrating Life Together

11/15/2019

We are so thankful for our brothers and sisters in Christ who faithfully serve with us day in and day out! Ms. J has been a part of our Abiding Hearts family for going on 5 years now! Praise GOD!!!

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Abiding Hearts Ministry Blog
caring for the homebound & widows

Abiding Hearts Widows Ministry Teams

ELDERLY WIDOWS NEED HELP

WIDOWS MINISTRY

Honor widows who are true widows, 1 Timothy 5:3

Judith Anne Brownson, July 18, 1942-May 3, 2022 (obituary posted on dignitymemorial.com)

September 2021: great loss, great need and GREAT HOPE

In Honor of Our Precious Patt

Patt's First Testimony written in 1997:

February 3, 1959-April 15, 2021
~Patricia "Patt"Murphree~
Our Sister Forever in Christ

Ministry Amidst COVID in 2020

Grace for the Widow

"Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven." AND, "The world will know that you are Mine by the way you love one another."

Living, Serving and Celebrating Life Together

Author

Archives

Categories

Abiding Hearts Ministry Blog​caring for the homebound & widows

Judith Anne Brownson, July 18, 1942-May 3, 2022 (obituary posted on dignitymemorial.com)

Patt's First Testimony written in 1997:

February 3, 1959-April 15, 2021~Patricia "Patt"Murphree~Our Sister Forever in Christ

Author

Archives

Categories

Abiding Hearts Ministry Blog
caring for the homebound & widows

February 3, 1959-April 15, 2021
~Patricia "Patt"Murphree~
Our Sister Forever in Christ