For Carers Week 2024, presenter Revd Kate Bottley and the Songs of Praise team visited Elizabeth Grint, a member of Wroxham & Hoveton United Reformed Church in Norfolk to explore the important role that faith plays for those caring for loved ones.
In the episode, broadcast on 9 June, Liz, who cares for her husband and son, shares with the presenter how prayer sustains her during the joys and challenges of life.
Liz and her husband Carl have been married for 52 years. Carl suffered his first heart attack aged 47 and since then has had another two. He also lives with the severest form of sleep apnoea, when your breathing stops and starts while asleep, and diabetes and vascular dementia.
The couple used to run a cafe, which became impossible for Liz to manage with Carl’s health needs. As they don’t drive, they’re limited as to how far away they can be away from home.
As well as caring for her husband, Liz also cares for their son, Carl Junior, who has multiple chronic health needs meaning life can be incredibly difficult at times.
In the film Liz says: “The first thing I do in the morning is make sure that they’re still alive overnight.”
Liz says she “gives it all to God”.
“I’ll admit that there are times when I really am a mess and I just say, you have it Lord,” said Liz.
Liz gets through by writing a daily morning prayer which she shares with others and continues to do every day.
She wakes up at 5.30 and lights two candles on her mantlepiece and then sends the prayer that she’s written along with a Bible quote and a photograph to 150 people.
Ever generous with her time, Liz also supports members of her church community with advice. For example, as a carer she has learnt to fill out lots of paperwork and to sit and listen.
“The one thing that carers don’t have is time for them,” Liz continues.
“Always, always admit when you’re struggling.
“I always bring God into it and he never lets me down.”
Carl added: “I am very proud. She helps a lot of people out.”
At the end of the interview, Liz tells the presenter that her favourite hymn is Be Still And Know That I Am God.
“I’ve sat beside their beds so many times and I’ve needed to just sit quietly. Being still in all the turmoil and knowing that God is there and always is there.
In aid of Carers Week, which runs from 10-16 June, Liz shares this prayer:
Father God,
Carers Week celebrates and gives time to all unpaid carers who diligently work, tiredly at times, to support their loved ones with various health problems quietly, most of the time, without thought for time for themselves.
Father God, put your loving arms around them all to lift them from the strain most find themselves under
In Jesus name I ask and thank you,
Amen.
Watch Songs of Praise: Christian Carers.