Matthew F. Leighty
Executive Director
I have been blessed throughout my life to have known some amazing caregivers. My mother compassionately cared for my father throughout his illness. Other family members, close friends, and even colleagues here at Worship Anew have amazed me with their sacrifice, love, and benevolence.
In the caregiving journey, we often seek God’s encouragement and strength to fulfill our roles with compassion and dedication. These are resources Worship Anew seeks to provide daily.
One way we offer encouragement is with favorite hymns that beautifully encapsulate the core of selfless service, such as “Take My Life and Let It Be” (LSB 783). Written by Frances Ridley Havergal in 1874, this hymn is a heartfelt prayer of consecration, inviting God to use every part of our being for His glory. Havergal died just five years later of peritonitis at age 42, leaving behind a legacy of faithful hymnody.
Reflecting on the vital work of caring for a loved one, I find practical ways to embody the message of “Take My Life and Let It Be” in daily caregiving tasks, transforming ordinary actions into acts of being God’s hands and feet.
Each line of this hymn can guide my actions and attitudes:
Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee: I dedicate my daily actions and decisions to serving others with love and compassion, seeing my caregiving role as a ministry.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise: I use my time to create a positive and uplifting environment for the one I care for, perhaps by sharing scripture readings or playing favorite hymns or music.
Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love: I use my hands to assist with daily tasks, such as helping my loved one out of bed, preparing meals, or administering medications with care and gentleness.
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee: I am quick to respond to the needs of the one I care for, whether it’s getting something they need or taking them for a walk to enjoy some fresh air.
Take my voice and let me sing always, only, for my King: I use my voice to offer words of encouragement, sing hymns, or read scripture to my loved one, bringing comfort and joy through my words.
Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from Thee: I speak words of kindness, hope, and faith, sharing God’s love and promises with the one I care for.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold: I am generous with my resources, whether it’s donating to a ministry such as Worship Anew that supports caregiving or using my financial means to provide for the needs of my loved one.
Take my intellect and use every power as Thou shalt choose: I use my knowledge and skills to find the best ways to care for my loved one, whether it’s learning new caregiving techniques or staying informed about their medical needs.
Take my will and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine: I surrender my own desires and plans to God’s will, seeking His guidance in my caregiving decisions and actions.
Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne: I let my heart be filled with God’s love, allowing it to guide my interactions and care for my loved one.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store: I pour out my love selflessly, showing compassion and empathy in every aspect of my caregiving.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee: I commit my entire being to serving God through my caregiving, finding purpose, and fulfillment in this calling.
These practical examples illustrate how the hymn’s message can be lived out in the context of caregiving. Havergal also wrote other great hymns, like “I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,” and one of my favorites, “Now the Light Has Gone Away,” which I’ve sung countless times to my children while putting them to bed. I found the principles in Romans 12:9-12 align so well with the message of “Take My Life and Let It Be.” The passage calls us to love genuinely, reject evil, and hold fast to what is good. We are encouraged to show brotherly affection, honor one another, and serve the Lord with zeal and enthusiasm. This scripture also reminds us to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and remain constant in prayer, guiding us to live out caregiving roles with dedication, compassion, and unwavering faith.
This issue of the Broadcaster Magazine explores the real-life experiences of caregiving.
As we travel this journey together, I would like to hear what resources Worship Anew could provide you to assist in caregiving.
As Worship Anew supports the ongoing work of caregivers, may we all strive to embody these principles as we care for our loved ones, transforming our service into living out the abundant love, mercy, and grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:9-12 ESV