Hope for the Caregiver

I sat down with Ken and Mary Sue Grein knowing their story would be heavy. I didn't expect it to steady me the way it did. They were just 22 years old when their son Jacob was born with severe medical complications. Within days, doctors told them he wouldn't live long and encouraged them to let him die. Ken and Mary Sue refused. They chose life, even though no one could tell them what that life would require. Jacob lived 37 years. (READ HIS STORY HERE) In our conversation, they speak candidly about what those decades held: long hospital stays, countless surgeries, daily caregiving, isolation, anger, and exhaustion. They don't sanitize any of it. But they also don't frame Jacob's life as a tragedy. What comes through instead is clarity, gratitude, and a hard-won conviction that a difficult life does not have to be a bad one. They talk about how caregiving reshaped their marriage, formed their other children, and rewired their own hearts. Disability didn't fracture their family. It refined it. Their children grew up compassionate, responsible, and unafraid of suffering. Jacob himself, despite profound limitations, lived with joy, affection, and gratitude, fully present in the life of his family. As a longtime caregiver myself, much of what they shared felt familiar: the loneliness, the way support fades, the daily choice between bitterness and gratitude. But what stayed with me most was their quiet insistence that every life is worth living, even when it arrives wrapped in fear, limitation, and unanswered questions. This is not a conversation about pretending suffering is good. It's about refusing to let suffering be the final word. Ken and Mary Sue didn't just care for their son. They learned how to live faithfully in the middle of what could not be fixed, and that is a lesson every caregiver needs. ___________________ Caregiving's Hard. Don't Do Alone! Get the New Book: A Caregiver's Companion - Scriptures, Hymns, and Forty Years of Insights for Life's Toughest Role

Part of our series of Hymns that every caregiver ought to know, we discuss Silent Night - and an exceptional performance from Gracie. 

There's a particular look that crosses someone's face when they realize they've just been understood. I've seen it on a bus driver from Kenya after I spoke a few words of Swahili. I've seen it on a CNA from Ghana caring for my wife in a hospital room. I watched a hospital housekeeper from Haiti light up when I spoke a few words in French to her. And I've seen it countless times on caregivers who quietly say, "You just said what I've been feeling." The response is almost always the same: How do you know my language? Caregivers live in a kind of isolation that's hard to describe. It isn't only physical exhaustion, emotional strain, or long-term uncertainty. It's deeper than that. Many of us are surrounded by people who care, who want to help, who offer words—but those words don't quite land. Not because they're cruel, but because they're untranslated. In this episode of Hope for the Caregiver, I reflect on what it means to speak the "language of the heart." While I learned a few words in several language, I speak "Fluent Caregiver" - and am committed to speaking the language of the caregiver's heart to as many as I can. I also discuss why music reaches us so powerfully, and why some voices connect immediately while others never quite do. I also look at what Christmas tells us about this kind of connection, and why the name Emmanuel isn't a seasonal phrase, but a profound reality. This episode moves through stories, music, suffering, compassion, and the gospel itself. It's about caregivers, yes—but also about anyone who has ever wondered what to say, or felt unseen because no one knew how to say it. If you're carrying something heavy this season, I hope you'll listen. After listening If you're walking with someone through addiction, disability, illness, or long-term suffering, you may feel pressure to say the right thing. This episode isn't about perfect words. It's about presence. Sometimes the most faithful thing we can do is simply stay, listen, and speak with the same compassion we ourselves have received. A resource for caregivers who need language   If this episode resonated, you may find help in my book, A Caregiver's Companion. It grew out of the same conviction behind today's program: caregivers don't just need encouragement. We need words that speak honestly to what we're carrying. The book brings together Scripture, hymns, and lived experience from decades of caregiving, written to sit beside you rather than talk at you. You can find it here:

Caregiving is relentless. The needs don't pause, the stress doesn't politely wait, and the temptation to put ourselves last feels almost virtuous. But in this episode of Hope for the Caregiver, I push back on a lie many of us live with: that our health is expendable. Joined by my longtime friend and health coach Dale Richardson, we talk candidly about weight, stress eating, and the quiet ways caregivers drift into unhealthy patterns, especially during the holidays. This isn't about shame, gimmicks, or willpower. It's about intentionality. I share my own journey, losing weight, gaining it back during months in the hospital with Gracie, and then recommitting again, not out of vanity, but out of necessity. I'm no good to my wife if I'm fat, broken, and miserable. That hard truth drives everything. Dale helps reframe food not as comfort, reward, or failure, but as fuel. Emotional eating isn't a moral flaw. It's often a stress response. The question isn't "Why am I weak?" but "What am I carrying?" Caregivers already know the answer. We talk about simple, sustainable choices: • Eating with a plan, especially at holidays • Understanding portions without demonizing food • Why "starting over Monday" keeps us stuck • The value of accountability that doesn't condemn • Staying active in real life, not just gyms and step counters We also explore why community matters. Lone-ranger caregiving is dangerous. Having someone who understands the weight you carry, and walks with you toward healthier choices, can change everything. The episode closes with a reminder grounded in Advent hope and the hymn Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. Christ did not come for people who had it together. He came for the weary, the burdened, and the broken. That includes caregivers. You don't accidentally get healthy. But with intention, support, and grace, you can move toward strength, not just for yourself, but for those who depend on you. Healthy caregivers make better caregivers. Your future self, and your loved one, will thank you. The 2026 Caregiver Calendar is now available! Click for more information!

Alzheimer's often reveals itself around the holiday table, when families see one another more closely than usual. My guest this week, author and longtime caregiver Carol Steinberg, knows that experience well. Her father was diagnosed decades ago, long before the disease was widely understood, and the journey reshaped her life. She eventually helped lead one of the largest Alzheimer's organizations in the country and continues to write for Voices of Alzheimer's, staying close to the families living with this disease every day. We talked about what gives her hope now. More people are being diagnosed earlier. New treatments can slow the progression for some. Communities are offering more practical support, and families are learning how to build what Carol calls "bunkers," healthy habits and safeguards that strengthen the whole household. One of the most meaningful parts of our conversation was how Alzheimer's affects children and grandchildren. Carol regrets that she sometimes pulled her own daughters back from their grandfather. Her new children's book, Come Grandpa Meow, Let's Fly, helps families give kids the language and confidence to stay connected rather than afraid. She offers simple ideas that help children engage in small, steady ways, which can lift the spirits of everyone involved. Caregivers often lose independence, connection, and identity. Children lose clarity when they are pushed to the sidelines. Carol and I both believe the better path is to walk toward one another, even when the road is rough. There is sorrow in Alzheimer's, but there is also purpose, comfort, and moments of unexpected grace when families choose connection instead of retreat. If you have a loved one with Alzheimer's, or if you wonder how to explain the changes to your children or grandchildren, I think this conversation will encourage you. There is life beyond the diagnosis, and there is a way to face it together.    

Gracie joined me for the program to give an update on her journey, how she's doing, and even sing a song or two.  Plus, we demonstrated the goofiness of our lives - and what's kept us laughing for 40 years.  www.standingwithhope.com

I opened the show with Balaam, the original for-profit prophet. He was not the last one. We still have plenty today with nice suits, studio lighting, and partner plans "…if you act now!" Balaam took the job, hopped on his donkey, and headed out. God blocked the road. The donkey saw it. Balaam did not. After a few detours and a smashed foot, the donkey finally spoke. And instead of freezing or questioning reality, Balaam argued with her as if this was completely normal. That part always gets me. Did animals talk a lot back then? I live around horses and cattle here in Montana. If one of them said, "Peter, we need to talk," I would like to think I would pause and reconsider a few things. Balaam did not. He snapped right back at the donkey and missed the angel standing in the road. And thinking about it, as a caregiver, do I often do the same thing? I get locked in on what I am trying to do … and miss the very thing God may be using to protect me. Sometimes the obstacle is not the problem. It is the rescue. In the next segment, a listener asked about spiritual attack. I kept it simple. Satan had to ask permission for Job. He had to ask for Peter. He has to ask for us. The enemy does not get an open gate to God's people. I rest more in that truth than in anything I feel on a hard day. Then the show moved from talking donkeys to unpacking boxes. Gracie and I are sorting through years of stored belongings. She remembers exactly where every decorative plate hung in our old kitchen. I sometimes need a leaf blower to find my desk. The process has reminded me how much I hold on to, not only physical things, but guilt, fear, and expectations that weigh more than any box in the house. That led naturally to the hymn for the week, "Take My Life and Let It Be," which Frances Havergal wrote as a kind of spiritual clean-out, offering each part of herself back to God. If the episode has a theme, it is simple. Pay attention. When something in your life suddenly speaks, pause before arguing with it. God may be standing in the road for your good, even if the warning arrives through a stubborn creature with very long ears. Caregiving gets heavier during the holidays. Let 40 years of experience walk with you. Books By Peter Rosenberger. Books from Peter Rosenberger               I opened the show with Balaam, the original for-profit prophet. He was not the last one. We still have plenty today with nice suits, studio lighting, and partner plans "…if you act now!" Balaam took the job, hopped on his donkey, and headed out. God blocked the road. The donkey saw it. Balaam did not. After a few detours and a smashed foot, the donkey finally spoke. And instead of freezing or questioning reality, Balaam argued with her as if this was completely normal. That part always gets me. Did animals talk a lot back then? I live around horses and cattle here in Montana. If one of them said, "Peter, we need to talk," I would like to think I would pause and reconsider a few things. Balaam did not. He snapped right back at the donkey and missed the angel standing in the road. And thinking about it, as a caregiver, do I often do the same thing? I get locked in on what I am trying to do … and miss the very thing God may be using to protect me. Sometimes the obstacle is not the problem. It is the rescue. In the next segment, a listener asked about spiritual attack. I kept it simple. Satan had to ask permission for Job. He had to ask for Peter. He has to ask for us. The enemy does not get an open gate to God's people. I rest more in that truth than in anything I feel on a hard day. Then the show moved from talking donkeys to unpacking boxes. Gracie and I are sorting through years of stored belongings. She remembers exactly where every decorative plate hung in our old kitchen. I sometimes need a leaf blower to find my desk. The process has reminded me how much I hold on to, not only physical things, but guilt, fear, and expectations that weigh more than any box in the house. That led naturally to the hymn for the week, "Take My Life and Let It Be," which Frances Havergal wrote as a kind of spiritual clean-out, offering each part of herself back to God. If the episode has a theme, it is simple. Pay attention. When something in your life suddenly speaks, pause before arguing with it. God may be standing in the road for your good, even if the warning arrives through a stubborn creature with very long ears. Caregiving gets heavier during the holidays. Let 40 years of experience walk with you. Books By Peter Rosenberger. Books from Peter Rosenberger                

In this episode of Hope for the Caregiver, I share three ordinary moments from life in our Montana cabin that turned into extraordinary lessons for caregivers. First, I finally leveled our refrigerator—a small victory that reminded me how good it feels to make one crooked thing straight in a world that leans. Then I talk about a tough situation a friend faced with her aging father, and what it really means to honor our parents when impairment or sin clouds their judgment. Using the story of Noah and his sons, I call it "walking backward with a blanket"—protecting dignity even when it's painful. Finally, as I cleaned the big new windows in our addition for Gracie, I saw a picture of how resentment, fear, and fatigue can cloud our hearts—and how only Christ can wash us clean. The episode ends at the caregiver keyboard with one of my favorite hymns, Fairest Lord Jesus, and a reminder that He truly makes the woeful heart to sing.

Out here at our home in Montana, I had one of those nights that turned into a sermon I didn't plan to preach. A young calf had wedged himself tight in a fence — and if I hadn't gone back to check the mineral bucket, he'd have been mountain lion food by morning. I cut the chain loose, he bolted off without so much as a "thank you," and I stood there on that hillside grinning like a fool, feeling lighter than I had in weeks. It had nothing to do with caregiving — and that's exactly the point. Every caregiver needs something that lifts the soul, something that reminds us we're still alive, not just functioning. For me, it was freeing a calf. For you, it might be painting, gardening, music, or a quiet moment with a puzzle. These aren't hobbies — they're oxygen for the spirit. I wrapped the show with Gracie's favorite hymn, This Is the Day That the Lord Has Made. We've sung it in hospital rooms and now here at home with the mountains out our window. It's not a children's song to us — it's a statement of faith when the day looks hard. Zephaniah wrote, "The Lord your God is in your midst… He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing." That's the kind of God we serve — one who doesn't just command us to rejoice, but actually rejoices over us. So that's my message this week: find your thing. Give yourself permission to breathe, to laugh, to live. Because the God who called you into this life is already singing over you.

Each week on Hope for the Caregiver, I take listeners into the heart of what sustains us when life's weight feels too heavy. This week, I shared why our deepest comfort as caregivers doesn't come from rest, money, or even help—it comes from knowing we are not our own, but belong body and soul to our faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. From the Heidelberg Catechism to the story behind the hymn Have Thine Own Way, Lord, I explored what it means to surrender our weariness to the One who shapes and reshapes us like clay in the hands of a potter. Caregiving forces us to face what we can't fix—but it also invites us to trust the One who holds every broken piece. I also shared about our new addition at home—Built for Grace—and the moment Gracie saw her new accessible space for the first time. It reminded me that love doesn't cling to what used to be; it builds again with what remains. "Love that endures learns to build again with what remains." — Wendell Berry

After 40 years of caring for my wife Gracie — a double amputee who's endured 98 surgeries — I know what it means to retrofit life around disability. For decades, we chased our tails trying to adapt spaces in our Nashville home and later our little Montana cabin. This year, we finally stopped retrofitting and built a space custom-made around us. From wide doorways and a roll-in shower to moving our grand piano into the bedroom so Gracie wouldn't have to leave her bed to make music, every detail was designed to restore her dignity and independence. When she walked into that new room with her walker and saw it for the first time, her eyes were wide. Later that night, with firelight flickering across the walls, I sat at the piano and played Great Is Thy Faithfulness. Gracie sang — filling the room with music. In that moment, I thought of Christ's words, "I go to prepare a place for you," and the joy of preparing a place for someone you love. I also share the powerful story behind This Is My Father's World — and how its message strengthens weary family caregivers like me to remember that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet. What does it look like for you to prepare a place — physically or emotionally — for someone you love?

In this powerful episode of Hope for the Caregiver, Peter Rosenberger shares a deeply personal story from Aurora, Colorado — a chance encounter with a frightened young woman that turned into a moment of grace and truth. Instead of debating or preaching, Peter reminded her of a truth many caregivers and wounded souls need to hear: “You are worth protecting.” Drawing from Hebrews 7:25, he reflects on Christ's ongoing intercession for us and calls listeners to join Him by offering compassion to those who are hurting — even when their pain looks different from our owntranscript_2025-10-14T16_37_22.…. Peter is then joined by psychologist and fellow caregiver Dr. Barry Jacobs, author of The Caregiver Answer Book. Together they unpack the emotional weight of caregiving — deferred grief, family conflict, sibling rivalries, and the burnout that comes when caregivers try to “muscle through.” Jacobs urges caregivers to acknowledge their grief, be kind to themselves, and even reclaim joy, reminding them there's no such thing as a perfect caregiver — only “good enough” ones who show up with lovetranscript_2025-10-14T16_37_22.…transcript_2025-10-14T16_37_22.…. Peter also shares updates from Standing With Hope's prosthetic limb outreach in Ghana, marking 20 years of service to the wounded. And at the caregiver keyboard, he performs “His Eye Is on the Sparrow,” reflecting on its origins and why this timeless song continues to comfort weary hearts. It's not a performance piece, he says — it's a song “sung in the watches of the night” when despair looms, a reminder that God sees, knows, and watches over ustranscript_2025-10-14T16_37_22.…. Whether you're deep in the trenches of caregiving or just beginning the journey, this episode offers biblical hope, practical wisdom, and heartfelt encouragement to help you stay strong — body, mind, and soul.   Order A CAREGIVER'S COMPANION TODAY!

If you've ever wondered how to hang on—much less laugh—while caring for someone you love, this episode of Hope for the Caregiver is for you. I recently joined Dr. Jessica Peck, known to her listeners as Dr. Nurse Mama on American Family Radio, for a conversation about faith, humor, and the realities of caregiving. We talked about my new book, A Caregiver's Companion: Scriptures, Hymns, and 40 Years of Insights for Life's Toughest Role, and the lessons Gracie and I have learned through her 98 surgeries, chronic pain, and the daily challenges that come with four decades of caregiving. You'll hear how I've found strength in Scripture, laughter in the hardest places, and peace in trusting God when nothing makes sense. We discussed what it means to be healthy while caring for someone who isn't—and why I believe healthy caregivers make better caregivers. I also shared one of the most powerful moments of my life: Gracie singing “In My Life, Lord, Be Glorified” while nurses worked on her open leg wound—and later, singing hymns with Joni Eareckson Tada over FaceTime. Those moments reveal what the world can't understand but what believers know deeply: even in the ICU, there is hope. I close the program at the Caregiver Keyboard with one of my favorite hymns, “Near to the Heart of God,” and the story behind its writing—a reminder that even in sorrow, there is a place of quiet rest near to His heart. If you're a caregiver—or love someone who is—I invite you to listen, share, and visit HopefortheCaregiver.com  for more resources, music, and encouragement.

In my regular guest-host slot on Truth Talk Live (Truth Network), I opened with a friend's dilemma: If people living through the events described in Revelation see beasts, plagues, and cosmic signs with their own eyes, doesn't that give them an advantage over those who died without seeing such proof? Isn't that unfair—almost as if some are lost on a technicality? That question pulled us into Romans 1, where Paul says God's attributes are "clearly seen," and into Jesus' rebuke of crowds who demanded signs even after seas had split and manna had fallen. The pattern was plain: evidence never settled the question. Trust did. I've heard the same struggle in hospital corridors, casually dispensed over a loved one's bed: "If you had more faith, you'd be healed." It sounds spiritual in the moment, but when suffering leans on those words, they crumble. And I saw something different but just as hollow on late-night television, when Jimmy Kimmel, tearful after his suspension, said he follows the "teachings of Jesus." Which teachings? The one where He said, "Before Abraham was, I am"? The one where He said, "No one comes to the Father except through Me"? Or the one where He said, "Take up your cross and follow Me"? Noble words, but casual references to Jesus without the weight of His actual words leave us splashing in the kiddie pool, calling it swimming. These moments — Revelation's visions, hospital corridors, late-night tears — all press the same core issue: do we trust God, or are we still demanding that He prove Himself on our terms?

On this week's Hope for the Caregiver radio show and podcast, I shared why healthy caregivers make better caregivers—and how small daily choices shape our future. From rest and prayer to forgiveness and boundaries, each decision helps caregivers reduce stress, avoid resentment, and stay strong for the long journey. Check out my friend Dale's page that I referenced in the first block. https://richerhealthforyou.com/ I also spoke with Carolyn Wheeler O'Byrne, founder of Daisy's Place in Florence, Alabama, a nonprofit offering safe housing, meals, and support for families caring for loved ones in the hospital. Born out of her own experience sleeping in a hospital parking lot, Carolyn now provides caregivers with a refuge of rest and community rooted in Christian faith. At the Caregiver Keyboard, I featured the beloved hymn Open My Eyes That I May See, reminding us that even in exhaustion, God opens our eyes to His truth and peace. ➡️ Listen to the full interview, hear the hymn performance, and explore more resources for family caregivers at HopeForTheCaregiver.com and caregiver.substack.com.      

When Caregiving Means Sleeping in a Van: The Story Behind Daisy's Place On this week's Hope for the Caregiver, I spoke with Carolyn Wheeler O'Byrne from Florence, Alabama—a mother whose fierce advocacy for her 17-month-old daughter, Daisy, turned into a decades-long mission. Carolyn recounted the terrifying season when Daisy was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, endured failed procedures, experimental treatments that nearly killed her, and infections that pushed her to the brink. Through nights spent in hospital windowsills and even a van in the Vanderbilt parking lot, Carolyn fought for her child's life with grit and faith. Now, twenty years later, Daisy is thriving—and Carolyn has transformed her pain into purpose by founding Daisy's Place, a nonprofit home that provides weary caregivers with food, showers, clean clothes, and, above all, dignity. Instead of parking lot vans, families now find refuge in fully furnished bedrooms, stocked kitchens, and the compassionate presence of someone who truly understands. This episode is a reminder that caregivers are not alone, that faith sustains when resources collapse, and that one woman's determination can ripple out to bless countless others.

This week on Hope for the Caregiver, I opened the program by discussing my new Blaze Media article, Reckless Hate Cannot Win: Christ Has Already Broken It. The piece grew out of the grief and reflection surrounding Charlie Kirk's sudden death. Dana Perino's emotional appeal on Fox for a “circuit breaker” to the fury in our culture resonated deeply with me—but I reminded listeners that no human breaker exists. History shows reform, politics, and revolutions can only reset the current for a time. The real interruption came at the cross, where Christ absorbed the full voltage of human hatred and divine justice. I drew on Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, where Aragorn responds to Theoden's dread of “reckless hate” with the charge, “Ride out and meet them.” Charlie Kirk did that in his generation, but even more so, Christ rode out from heaven to confront and conquer hate forever. Luther echoed this courage with “Here I stand, I can do no other.” The hymn he gave the church, A Mighty Fortress, still proclaims: “The body they may kill, God's truth abideth still.” That's where I called caregivers—and myself—to stand, not with bravado but with scars, anchored in Christ who rewires the entire system. Hate cannot win. From there, I introduced my audience to Carolyn Wheeler O'Byrne and her remarkable journey with her daughter, Daisy. Her story of motherly intuition, pushing past dismissive doctors, surviving terrifying nights in hospitals, and even sleeping in a van outside Vanderbilt, is a vivid picture of caregiver authority and sacrifice. Carolyn's testimony reminded us of the courage every caregiver must summon, often in the most isolating and exhausting circumstances. We closed with this week's hymn in our series, Hymns Every Caregiver Ought to Know: “Blest Be the Tie That Binds.” Written by John Fawcett in the 1700s after he chose to stay with a small country parish rather than leave for a prestigious London pulpit, the hymn captures the communion of saints—the bond of love that unites us in Christ. As caregivers, we are not laboring unseen or alone. We are part of that great invisible church, surrounded by a cloud of witnesses who cheer us on like fans welcoming home a walk-off home run. That tie binds us, sustains us, and reminds us: healthy caregivers make better caregivers.   Click Here to Get the new book - Today

In this episode of Hope for the Caregiver, I open with the story of a 1950s chemist who failed 39 times before discovering something simple yet world-changing. His quiet persistence became a picture of what caregivers need when our hearts feel rusted and stuck. We can't muscle our way through this life; we need grace that loosens what strain has tightened. That theme of letting go of force carries through the whole show. I share a personal story from the 2004 Republican National Convention, when Gracie sang at Madison Square Garden and the White House unexpectedly asked us to stay for President Bush's speech. While I was panicked and trying to control everything, my father told me, “Sit down and be still.” It became a defining moment—reminding me how often our Heavenly Father speaks the same words into our chaos. I also reflect on my recent Blaze Media article, “School Shootings and the Street Called Straight,” exploring how Paul faced the full measure of suffering ahead of him and still pressed on. That same Spirit sustains us when the caregiving road looks dark and unending. Then I share part of my conversation with DJ and Jessica Rowland, a couple navigating Huntington's disease. Their love, resilience, and commitment to live fully—despite grief and fear—show how loosening our grip can make space for grace. I close at the Caregiver Keyboard with a hymn every caregiver should know: “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” Written by Helen Lemmel at age 55, this hymn calls us to lift our gaze from what we can't fix and rest it on the One who carries us.   ORDER THIS BOOK TODAY!    

I sat down with Dr. Barry Jacobs—a clinical psychologist, family therapist, and fellow caregiver whose story began when his father was diagnosed with brain cancer. Out of that crucible, he has spent nearly four decades helping families navigate the emotional and practical challenges of caregiving. We talked about the unspoken grief many caregivers carry, why sadness is not a weakness but a source of strength, and how family conflict often masks deeper sorrow. Dr. Jacobs shared powerful metaphors—the “half loaf” of life after disability, the cards we're dealt and how we play them—and offered wisdom drawn from both his clinical practice and his own scars. Together, we explored what it means to “respect the trauma,” why caregivers must give themselves permission for joy, and how purpose can grow even out of devastating loss. Along the way, I shared Gracie's clarity after her 98th surgery—her determination to live, sing, see her grandchildren, and return to Africa to serve other amputees. Dr. Jacobs also introduced his newest work, The Caregiver Answer Book (AARP/Guilford Press), which offers nearly 150 concise responses to the questions caregivers most often ask. It's a practical, compassionate resource that belongs in every caregiver's hands. As Dr. Jacobs reminded us: “There are no perfect caregivers—only good enough caregivers.” That's encouragement every one of us needs.

Caregiving often hides what I call smoldering rage—resentment that simmers quietly until a fresh crisis ignites it like a wildfire. In this week's Hope for the Caregiver radio show, I open with a monologue about those hidden embers, drawing from Montana's fire season to show how caregivers can confront resentment and apply God's grace before it consumes us. The program closes with a hymn every caregiver needs: “Be Still, My Soul.” Gracie's a cappella performance of this timeless hymn reminds us that God's faithfulness steadies us when caregiving feels unbearable and that the daily grind of service is, in fact, holy work. This episode also features excerpts from my conversation with author and fellow caregiver Jess Ronne, whose story of loss, resilience, and faith offers a powerful reminder that we're not alone in this journey.

Caregiving has pushed me to the point where I've had to ask what I really believe when life gets overwhelming. In this episode, I talk about those moments of faith under fire and share clips from my conversation with author Jess Ronne (Caregiving with Grit and Grace). Jess opens up about raising a son with disabilities, losing her husband to brain cancer, and continuing forward as a caregiver. I close with Blessed Assurance at the Caregiver Keyboard, a hymn that reminds me where to stand when everything feels unsteady. Order the new book today!    

Author and caregiver Jess Ronne joins me to share her story and her new book, Caregiving with Grit and Grace. As the mother of a son with profound disabilities and the young wife who walked through her husband's brain cancer, Jess has lived the struggles many caregivers face but few talk about. Together, we discuss the loneliness of caregiving, special needs parenting, the reality of grief and anger, and the hope that comes through faith in Christ. This conversation is for anyone navigating the challenges of family caregiving, special needs, or long-term illness — offering encouragement, honesty, and spiritual strength for the journey.

Mike Tyson is famous for saying, “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the nose.” When suffering punches us in the nose, our plans - and clichés - don't hold. In this episode of Truth Talk Live, I explore why “drive-by ministry” fails and why true comfort begins with seeing people in their pain—just as Christ sees us. You'll hear: My reflections from the ICU after Gracie's 98th surgery. The danger of empty phrases like “God has a plan” or “just trust Jesus.” A listener in tears, struggling to accept God's forgiveness. A reminder from Scripture: not why, but who. Gracie also sings Breathe on Me, Breath of God a cappella—an anchor of hope in moments when words fail. If you've ever wondered what to say (or not say) when someone is in trauma, this episode points to solid ground in Christ.   ORDER THE NEW BOOK …TODAY!    

In this week's episode of Hope for the Caregiver, I continue my two series: Difficult Issues Caregivers Face but Don't Want to Talk About and Hymns Every Caregiver Should Know. I start with a memory of a pastor who once told me, “Peter, you do yourself a disservice—you make this look easier than it is.” He was right. For years I made caregiving look manageable, even while quietly drowning inside. That appearance of strength often kept others from stepping in or even knowing what to say. Meals and casseroles are thoughtful, but they're not enough. Caregivers need more than temporary relief—we need sustainable support. Vocational direction, financial guidance, and mentors willing to walk with us can make the difference between barely surviving and building a life that endures. Scripture reminds us of El Roi, the God who sees. Just as He saw Hagar, Zacchaeus, and the multitudes, He also sees caregivers who mask their exhaustion. And if God sees, the church must learn to see too—not just the obvious needs, but the hidden cracks in a caregiver's life. I share about Gracie's 98 surgeries, including a recent five-month stretch in the hospital, and how impossible it has been to plan a “normal” career or even a five-week calendar. Caregiving has reshaped everything in my life, and for too long I didn't have people asking the deeper questions about what was sustainable. Then I take you to the Caregiver Keyboard, where I introduce this week's hymn. I not only play it, but also show how its harmonies—tension, dissonance, and resolution—mirror the emotional weight caregivers carry. The story behind the hymn ties directly into this theme: before we can encourage or rescue anyone, we first have to see them. I close by sharing from my new book, A Caregiver's Companion: Scriptures, Hymns, and 40 Years of Insights for Life's Toughest Role. I wrote it to give caregivers—and the church—a vocabulary of hope. Because healthy caregivers make better caregivers.   Get this book today!    

"I don't expect the President to be a theologian - but I expect theologians to be theologians."  When former President Trump suggested that ending the war in Ukraine might “help him get to heaven,” the headlines exploded—but the church stayed silent. In this episode of Truth Talk Live (I guest-host it weekly), I challenge that silence, point to the cross of Christ, and invite callers to proclaim the gospel out loud. Nothing but the blood of Jesus can save us—nothing else. This is not about politics. It's about clarity. If the church won't speak when the gospel is distorted on the world stage, then what are we even doing?   Click to get the new book today!

In this episode of Truth Talk Live ( I guest-host on Wednesdays), I started with a little laughter, but the conversation quickly turned to the deeper reality of marriage. Drawing from Scripture, from our culture, and from my own 39 years with Gracie, I shared why I believe “weddings cost money, but marriage costs everything.” Along the way, listeners called in with raw and vulnerable stories. One man opened up about childhood trauma that still weighs heavily on his marriage. Another shared how Christ delivered him from addiction. Others reflected on decades of faithfulness in their own homes. Their honesty gave us all a reminder that marriage isn't about ease or comfort—it's about sacrificial love, just as Ephesians 5 commands. This wasn't a light episode, but it was a hopeful one. We laughed at the start, we listened to pain in the middle, and we ended with a clear picture of what covenant love really costs—and why it's worth it.   Read the article at BLAZE MEDIA https://www.theblaze.com/columns/opinion/weddings-cost-money-marriage-costs-everything Check out my new book (08/20/2025)!

In this episode of Hope for the Caregiver, I celebrate 39 years of marriage to my wife, Gracie, while reflecting on the roller-coaster journey of nearly 100 surgeries, chronic pain, and a lifetime of caregiving. From dancing with Gracie at Madison Square Garden to hearing her sing hymns in an ICU hallway, I share how beauty and joy can break through even in the hardest places. As part of my Hymn of the Week series, Gracie's powerful voice brings “Breathe on Me, Breath of God” to life—a reminder that faith, music, and love still carry caregivers through the toughest days.

In this episode of Hope for the Caregiver, I sit down with DJ and Jessica Rowland to talk about life with Huntington's disease—and what it really means to keep living when the diagnosis is grim. Jessica was diagnosed in 2018 after a season of clumsiness, psychological symptoms, and career struggles. DJ, her husband and primary caregiver, balances running a mobile truck repair business with caring for her needs, adapting their home for safety, and bringing her along when he can. Their support network of family and friends has learned to adjust plans so Jessica can be part of them. We talk about the “incremental grief” of watching someone you love slowly lose abilities, and how they've chosen to push back against fear with adventure—riding motorcycles, taking a hot-air balloon ride, and embracing experiences Jessica once avoided. Their motto says it all: “Fear does not stop death. It stops life.” DJ shares the adjustments they've made for her mobility, swallowing, and pain, and the way the HD community has become a vital source of encouragement despite the heartache of seeing friends decline. Faith plays a role, too. Past experiences with their autistic son being unwelcome at church have kept them away for a while, but they hope to join a congregation after moving to a warmer climate. DJ finds comfort in the “Footprints” poem, and I encouraged them to explore the story behind It Is Well with My Soul. We closed with my caregiver song, I Can Only Hold You Now, and a reminder that the goal isn't simply to avoid death—it's to live fully with the time we have. “A Caregiver's Companion” Release Date 8/20/2025. Click Cover For More!      

Caregiving can bury you under the weight of obligation—the “I have to, I should, I must” that breeds resentment and exhaustion. I've lived there. But over the years, I've learned to trade that burden for stewardship—remembering that Gracie belongs to God, not me, and my calling is faithfulness, not fixing. In this episode, I share how that shift in thinking changes everything—and how one short hymn, Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow, has anchored me in the hardest moments. I tell three stories I'll never forget:   Gracie, moments after losing her second leg, singing the Doxology from a gurney. A young man in Ghana, raising newly fitted prosthetic hooks to heaven in praise. A congregation moved to tears when we slowed down and really listened to the words. These moments prove it: good theology always leads to doxology. Even in the fog, we can slow down, take the next right step, and praise Him anywhere.   Get this book today!   https://a.co/d/do1lGW2

Caregiving can bury you under the weight of obligation—the “I have to, I should, I must” that breeds resentment and exhaustion. I've lived there. But over the years, I've learned to trade that burden for stewardship—remembering that Gracie belongs to God, not me, and my calling is faithfulness, not fixing. In this episode, I share how that shift in thinking changes everything—and how one short hymn, Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow, has anchored me in the hardest moments. I tell three stories I'll never forget:   Gracie, moments after losing her second leg, singing the Doxology from a gurney. A young man in Ghana, raising newly fitted prosthetic hooks to heaven in praise. A congregation moved to tears when we slowed down and really listened to the words. These moments prove it: good theology always leads to doxology. Even in the fog, we can slow down, take the next right step, and praise Him anywhere.   Get this book today!   https://a.co/d/do1lGW2

“I never really quite knew what the definition of love is… I think it comes down to tests like this.” - Jay Leno on Hope for the Caregiver That matter-of-fact statement from Jay Leno to me on my radio program stayed with me long after the conversation ended. In a deeply personal and unexpectedly poignant conversation, Jay opened up about caring for his beloved wife, Mavis, whose health challenges have brought him into the caregiving world. Their 45-year marriage—marked by shared laughter, mutual admiration, and now, caregiving—has entered a new chapter, and Jay is showing up daily with humor, humility, and tenderness.   From finding the absurd in shoe shopping to using flashcards of old photos to spark memories, Jay shares the little victories that keep him grounded. “Maybe it's my imagination,” he said, “but she's remembering things she didn't three or four months ago.” He spoke candidly about what caregiving has taught him about love, sacrifice, and what it means to be a man. This wasn't late-night monologue material. This was a man facing the hard part of the vow—“for worse”—and decided to stay in the room. And through it all, he's still telling jokes, still hitting the road on weekends, and still looking for ways to bring joy to others—whether in a packed auditorium or caring for the woman he loves. Jay Leno made millions laugh. But in this conversation, he'll make you think—about love, commitment, and what it means to keep showing up. PeterRosenberger.com Available wherever books are sold 08/20/2025    

As caregivers, we often pour out until there's nothing left—but what happens when the one collapsing is the caregiver herself? My longtime friend Nancy Comish joined me for a brutally honest conversation about her journey through caregiver burnout, medical overload, and physical decline. She was overmedicated, under-rested, and emotionally drowning. Her husband, Craig—who knows his way around a hospital system—raised the alarm. I echoed it later on her front porch. But Nancy made the call. She read the warnings on the prescriptions. She faced what those pills were doing to her. And then she did something most people don't: she changed. Nancy's story isn't about being rescued. It's about rescue through resolve. With courage, humor, and a clarity forged in pain, she chose life. She shed nearly 40 pounds, got off 15 medications, and took back her health and her soul. This is for every caregiver who's run out of gas and every loved one who doesn't know what to say. It's a story of conviction, love, tough truth—and the grace of starting again. “If you don't know what to say to a family caregiver, don't worry about it — I do!” - Peter Rosenberger A Caregiver's Companion - in bookstores 8/20/2025

In this episode of Hope for the Caregiver, I reflect on a powerful moment at home: while a news anchor questioned God's goodness in the face of tragedy, my wife Gracie—still recovering from her 98th surgery—shouted a truth she learned from our friend Joni Eareckson Tada that's sustained us for decades: “He allows what He hates to achieve what He loves.” We explored how that statement ties into the doctrine of divine concurrence, how caregivers experience fear, guilt, and resentment, and how well-meaning but poor theology—especially in some corners of the church—can make things worse. I asked a pointed question I've carried for years: Why do faith healers wear glasses? We also continued our hymn series with “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty,” focusing on the line: “Ponder anew what the Almighty will do.” That phrase has become more than poetry—it's a daily touchstone for those of us facing hard realities. I closed with an update on our prosthetic limb outreach in West Africa, how Gracie's vision continues to help others walk, and how you can be a part of it. If you're weary or uncertain, this episode is a reminder: Ponder anew what the Almighty will do. RELEASE DATE 8-20-2025 PRE-ORDER NOW!

There's a new Superman movie out this month—but when I heard that, my mind flew back 38 years to Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, a cinematic trainwreck of epic proportions. The plot was absurd, the budget was anemic, and Hollywood wisely took a long break from the franchise after that. But while the movie deserves all the ridicule it gets, the title stuck with me: The Quest for Peace. Because if you're a caregiver, you know exactly what that feels like. In this episode of Hope for the Caregiver, I invite my fellow caregivers to join me on that very journey—the often painful, sometimes hilarious, always sacred search for peace. Peace in the middle of sleepless nights, endless medical drama, strained relationships, and a soul stretched thin. I open up about a struggle many caregivers carry but rarely talk about: resentment. Whether it's being overlooked by family, dismissed by doctors, or just frustrated with God—or yourself—it eats away at us. Drawing from the words of C.S. Lewis, I discuss how forgiveness, anchored in God's grace, becomes a daily practice—not a feeling, and certainly not a one-time decision. I also continue my series on “30 Hymns Every Christian Should Know,” spotlighting Great Is Thy Faithfulness. Inspired by Lamentations 3, where Jeremiah finds hope in the wreckage of Jerusalem, this hymn—written by Thomas Chisholm, who lived with chronic illness—offers a powerful reminder that God's mercy meets us every morning, even when we can barely get out of bed. I play it from the “caregiver keyboard,” the one I use for Gracie, whose voice gives it a strength words alone can't capture. So, no, I'm not wearing a cape. I don't fly. But after 40 years as a caregiver, I've learned a few things about finding peace when everything around you is breaking. Join me for this honest, gritty, and grace-filled episode. NEW BOOK - AUGUST 20, 2025 (click for more!)

After five months in a hospital bed, Gracie came home—hooked to drains, fragile, and unable to sit up for more than a few minutes. I pulled her out of the truck, and just as we were about to head inside, she stopped. Eyes closed. Face tilted upward. “Oh… that feels wonderful.” It wasn't a miracle. It was a warm summer mountain breeze. But when you've been breathing hospital air for nearly half a year, that breeze feels like Eden. The cool of the day. In Hebrew: רוּחַ הַיּוֹם (ruach hayom)—the wind of the day, the gentle breath of God that walked with Adam and Eve through their brokenness. That's what this episode is about. Not just a hymn. Not just a breeze. But the presence of God showing up when suffering suffocates. I also talk candidly about a hard truth for many caregivers: “Lord, would You please just take them home?” That's not a death wish. That's not despair. That's faith reaching for mercy. How Great Thou Art belongs on the front line of every caregiver's hymnbook. That's why it's part of my new series: 30 Hymns Every Caregiver Should Know. Because sometimes your theology needs melody—when words fail and your soul forgets the tune of hope.

What does it mean to be a caregiver? And where is God when the journey feels like one long, unending dirt road? In this special episode, Peter Rosenberger defines the true heart of caregiving—not as a job, but as a calling to stand between someone's chronic impairment and even worse disaster. Through the lens of his 40-year journey, Peter unpacks the metaphor of mining for gold amid the dirt of trauma, exhaustion, and despair. He shares the unforgettable story of Gracie singing the Doxology moments after her second leg amputation—and how praise isn't a luxury but a lifeline. Peter also launches a new series: 30 Hymns Every Christian Should Know, starting with Holy, Holy, Holy—tracing its history, theology, and meaning for weary hearts. Joined by Gracie for the final segment, this episode ends with a moving reminder: Where He is... is home. ✨ Scriptures, songs, and stories to strengthen caregivers—right when they need it most. NEW BOOK - Order today!   https://a.co/d/9L8KoFx

What does it mean to be a caregiver? And where is God when the journey feels like one long, unending dirt road? In this special episode, Peter Rosenberger defines the true heart of caregiving—not as a job, but as a calling to stand between someone's chronic impairment and even worse disaster. Through the lens of his 40-year journey, Peter unpacks the metaphor of mining for gold amid the dirt of trauma, exhaustion, and despair. He shares the unforgettable story of Gracie singing the Doxology moments after her second leg amputation—and how praise isn't a luxury but a lifeline. Peter also launches a new series: 30 Hymns Every Christian Should Know, starting with Holy, Holy, Holy—tracing its history, theology, and meaning for weary hearts. Joined by Gracie for the final segment, this episode ends with a moving reminder: Where He is... is home. ✨ Scriptures, songs, and stories to strengthen caregivers—right when they need it most. NEW BOOK - Order today! https://a.co/d/9L8KoFx

Caregiving exposes something most of us never see coming: Our thinking is broken — and it always has been. Yes, caregiving brings exhaustion, stress, and crisis. But the real problem runs far deeper than circumstances. The root issue traces all the way back to Eden. When Adam sinned, God pronounced: “Cursed is the ground because of you.” (Genesis 3:17) The dirt beneath his feet was broken because of sin. But if even the ground was cursed, how much more the mind that led Adam into rebellion? "If the very ground was cursed because of sin, how much more so are our minds?" That's not poetry — that's theology. And it's the daily reality of caregivers everywhere. Caregiving Doesn't Break Your Mind — It Exposes the One You Already Had We assume we're thinking clearly. We assume our instincts are reliable. But Scripture says otherwise: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) “Set your minds on things above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2) “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” (Romans 12:2) Our thinking isn't neutral — it's tainted by sin. Total depravity means sin didn't just touch our behavior; it poisoned our reasoning. And caregiving simply turns up the heat, forcing our broken minds into the spotlight. Left to ourselves, our minds write checks our souls can't cash. Why “Just Trust Your Gut” Is Dangerous Advice One of the cruelest lines caregivers hear is: “Just trust your gut.” No. Don't. Your gut is tired. Your gut is scared. Your gut is sinful. Even David knew better: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24) The problem isn't just out there. The problem is in here. Where's the Hope? The answer isn't in “trying harder” to think better. The answer is surrender. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5) Christ, who lived perfectly, offers us His mind — not simply as a theological concept, but as a practical necessity for caregivers in crisis. You're not doomed to your own instincts. In Christ, you have clarity your flesh can't produce. Caregiving isn't about becoming better thinkers — it's about becoming better surrenderers. Bottom Line If sin could corrupt the ground beneath Adam's feet, you can be sure it corrupted the mind that led him there. The sooner we admit our thinking is compromised, the sooner we can lean fully on the mind of Christ.

I love talking with interesting people doing interesting things—especially when what they're building impacts those of us in the caregiving world. That's why I sat down with Dr. Severance McLaughlin, the CEO of DeLorean AI. His team is using artificial intelligence to predict serious health events—like heart attacks, mental health crises, or hospitalizations—before they happen. As someone who's spent four decades in the thick of caregiving, I've had to be more than a husband. I've had to be the historian, the advocate, and often the one holding the entire narrative together. But what if that burden could be shared? What if technology could actually lighten the load—and even save lives in the process? This conversation dives into chronic pain, suicide risk in veterans, dialysis, depression, and the future of precision healthcare. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the medical system—or like you're the only one keeping track—this one's worth your time. Lean in and listen. Peter Rosenberger is the host of Hope for the Caregiver, the nation's largest broadcast for family caregivers. After four decades of caregiving, he's learned a few things the hard way—and shares them with heart, humor, and hymns. His newest book, A Caregiver's Companion: Scriptures, Hymns and 40 Years of Insights for Life's Toughest Role, releases this August. Learn more at PeterRosenberger.com Follow on X: @hope4caregiver  

I love talking with interesting people doing interesting things—especially when what they're building impacts those of us in the caregiving world. That's why I sat down with Dr. Severance McLaughlin, the CEO of DeLorean AI. His team is using artificial intelligence to predict serious health events—like heart attacks, mental health crises, or hospitalizations—before they happen. As someone who's spent four decades in the thick of caregiving, I've had to be more than a husband. I've had to be the historian, the advocate, and often the one holding the entire narrative together. But what if that burden could be shared? What if technology could actually lighten the load—and even save lives in the process? This conversation dives into chronic pain, suicide risk in veterans, dialysis, depression, and the future of precision healthcare. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the medical system—or like you're the only one keeping track—this one's worth your time. Lean in and listen. Peter Rosenberger is the host of Hope for the Caregiver, the nation's largest broadcast for family caregivers. After four decades of caregiving, he's learned a few things the hard way—and shares them with heart, humor, and hymns. His newest book, A Caregiver's Companion: Scriptures, Hymns and 40 Years of Insights for Life's Toughest Role, releases this August. Learn more at PeterRosenberger.com Follow on X: @hope4caregiver

“It's going to be okay,” my father told my mother as they faced one of their hardest seasons. She looked at him and asked, “How do you know?” And he quietly replied: “Because I know God.” That simple statement calmed my mother — and it now anchors me. Scripture points us to this kind of example: Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. — Hebrews 13:7 (ESV) When the future feels uncertain, caregivers don't always need detailed answers. Sometimes we just need to remember Who holds the answers.

Gracie was lying in bed. The surgeon had just been in to remove the stitches — but clearly, it was too early. A few minutes later, I came into the room. Gracie asked for help sitting up. She reached for my arm and started to pull herself upright. Then, the unthinkable happened. The wound suddenly split wide open — 10-12 inches long, four inches wide. It's called dehiscence. I was instantly reminded why I studied music and not medicine. But there was no time to be queasy — Gracie needed me. I quickly summoned the nurses, who rushed in. I told them to urgently call the surgical team. Then I grabbed Gracie's hand, helped her recline back on the bed, locked eyes with her and said: “Don't look down.” As her breathing slowed, we began to sing: In my life, Lord, be glorified… Gracie softly changed the words: In my leg, Lord, be glorified today. The surgical team worked around us while she sang. They were stunned. So was I. She wasn't thinking about tomorrow. Just: Be glorified in this. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3 Caregiving comes at you fast. Take a minute and read my book, A MINUTE FOR CAREGIVERS - When Every Day Feels Like Monday!    

When the surgeon told me Gracie would be in the hospital for three months, my mind raced: The kids are at school. I've got a job to hold down. Bills to pay. How am I supposed to hold this together for three months? Staring at the wall, I quietly muttered to myself: "I can't do this for three months." The surgeon heard me. He gently placed his hand on my shoulder and said, "You're not going to do it for three months. You're going to do it for 24 hours." Then he pointed me to Jesus' words: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself." (Matthew 6:34) That moment was more than 20 years ago. It still carries me. Caregiving often feels impossible when you try to take it all at once. But we were never asked to carry months or years — only today. Just today. By His grace. That's the 24-Hour Rule. Caregiving comes at you fast - take a minute. Get A MINUTE FOR CAREGIVERS - When Every Day Feels Like Monday today!

Caregiving doesn't just exhaust me — it exposes my broken thinking. In this episode, I share how total depravity clouds not only my actions but my thought process. Fatigue, frustration, fear, and sin distort judgment — even while I'm trying to advocate for the person I love. That's why caregivers don't just need rest — we need Christ to steady both our hands and our minds. I also share how this plays out in real conversations with doctors, staff, and decision makers: learning when to speak, when to stay quiet, and how the Holy Spirit helps caregivers respond wisely — even at 3AM when another crisis hits. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3 Caregiving comes at you fast: Take a minute with A MINUTE FOR CAREGIVERS - When Every Day Feels Like Monday

Caregiving doesn't just exhaust me — it exposes my broken thinking. In this episode, I share how total depravity clouds not only my actions but my thought process. Fatigue, frustration, fear, and sin distort judgment — even while I'm trying to advocate for the person I love. That's why caregivers don't just need rest — we need Christ to steady both our hands and our minds. I also share how this plays out in real conversations with doctors, staff, and decision makers: learning when to speak, when to stay quiet, and how the Holy Spirit helps caregivers respond wisely — even at 3AM when another crisis hits. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3 Caregiving comes at you fast: Take a minute with A MINUTE FOR CAREGIVERS - When Every Day Feels Like Monday    

In this episode of Hope for the Caregiver, I walk through one of the most practical, personal, and painful issues every caregiver faces: worry. We explore what Jesus really meant in Matthew 6 when He said, “Do not worry about tomorrow…” — and I back the truck up to show how that entire section of Scripture ties together. This is not sentimental. It's hard theology lived out in hospital rooms, operating rooms, and late-night caregiver prayers. I share some deeply personal stories from our ongoing four-month hospitalization: The moment when my wife's surgical wound burst open unexpectedly — and how, even then, worship replaced panic as Gracie sang “In My Leg, Lord, Be Glorified” while medical teams worked. How my dad, near the end of his life, calmed my mother with four powerful words: “Because I know God.” The late-night “Code Gray” in the hospital — and how that inspired my idea of a “Code Grace” for caregivers who are emotionally unraveling. Why daily trust in God is like Tchaikovsky's daily piano practice: if you skip it, everyone notices. We also look at Paul and Silas — bruised, bleeding, shackled — still singing hymns in a Philippian jail. That same peace that passes understanding remains available to us today, even in hospital rooms, financial stress, and medical crises. Worry is real. But so is the sovereignty of God. I challenge caregivers (and myself) to make the intentional choice to trust Christ today — and to leave tomorrow where it belongs: in His capable hands. If you're a caregiver weighed down by fear, this episode is for you.

In this Memorial Day episode of Hope for the Caregiver, I open up about one of the hardest—and most overlooked—struggles caregivers face: resentment. After more than 40 years in this journey, I've learned that it's not just the physical exhaustion that wears us down—it's the internal striving, the bitterness, and the sense of being forgotten. In this episode, I talk about: The difference between sleep and true rest Why striving leaves us drained and bitter A quote from my new book, A Caregiver's Companion, and the hymn that goes with it How gratitude becomes the antidote to resentment And what one surprising verse in Matthew 1:6 reveals about God's justice, memory, and hope for caregivers I also share a story from the hospital room—something small, but sacred—that brought the Gospel into sharp focus for me. If you're weary, grieving, or stuck in resentment, I hope this message will point you toward the rest only Christ can give.

In this episode of Hope for the Caregiver, I reflect on our 118-day (and counting) hospital journey as Gracie prepares for her 98th surgery. From surgical setbacks to worn-out mattresses, it's been a long road—but not without unexpected laughter, grace, and even a surprising riff from Gracie that would've made James Brown smile. We dig into the importance of vigilance—not just physical, but spiritual and emotional. I share thoughts on situational awareness, the loss of basic decorum in our culture, and what it means to see and respond to the pain in others. Whether it's the young man who doesn't know how to hold a door or the weary soul behind the mop, we're called to be ready—to serve, to comfort, and to live alert to the needs around us. If you're a caregiver, or just someone trying to walk through this world without getting swallowed by it, this one's for you.

fter more than 110 days in the hospital and Gracie approaching her 98th surgery, this episode explores what real faith looks like in the trenches of caregiving. I share two jaw-dropping moments with Gracie—responses to a psychiatrist that left us all speechless—and unpack what it means to trust “El Roi,” the God who sees, even when our view is blocked by suffering, hospital walls, or exhaustion. We talk about the daily grind of hospital life, how caregivers can practice faithful stewardship of their minds and bodies, and yes—how even pancakes can test your resolve. I also share how Scripture, hymns, and daily devotional habits have carried me through this long stretch. If you've ever wondered how to find hope when the days blur together, or what caregiving looks like with 98 surgeries behind you, this is the one to hear. Faith in suffering, joy in hardship, and the daily resolve to keep walking—these aren't theories. This is the day the Lord has made—even here. Includes reflections on: • Christian caregiving • Psalm 118 & the Hallel Psalms • Hospital survival strategies • Marriage and disability • Devotional insights for caregivers • Singing hymns through suffering • The joy of the Lord in hardship

As America reflected on Trump's first 100 days, Peter Rosenberger reflects on 100 straight days in the hospital with his wife Gracie—her 95th surgery behind them, and hard lessons ahead. With hospital humor and deep spiritual insight, he unpacks what it means to endure, produce, and even minister while suffering. From “code blues” to a “Code Grace,” this episode offers raw hope from the front lines of caregiving.

When Easter feels hollow, hospitals replace hymns, and loneliness crowds the heart — what anchors a caregiver's soul? Peter Rosenberger, four-decade caregiver and radio host, takes listeners inside a brutal Holy Week spent between airports and operating rooms. Through Scripture, song, and hard-won wisdom, Peter challenges the sugar-coated faith peddled by today's culture, and calls believers back to the rugged, soul-saving hope of Christ's resurrection. This isn't sentiment. This is survival — anchored in the living Word, forged through suffering, and sung even when the wound is still open.