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For many of you, saying, "Good-bye," is becoming all too familiar. It may be the literal good-byes to our children who are growing up and leaving the nest or marrying and leaving home for good, to establish their own homes. For others, it may be a permanent good-bye to a partner or even a child, in death--grown or not. Others have had to say good-bye to a spouse in divorce. It was often unexpected and unwanted. Still others have said good-bye to their life-long home with all of its memories and had to wade through all your things, getting rid of many treasured possessions, usually under time pressure to get the place sold/move/health reasons, that made it even more stressful. Some of you moved away from your home town in retirement to be near one or more of your kids or be in a pretty area for your retirement years. I think I have hit on many of the good-byes. You may have experienced another type of good-bye. No matter how happy parts of the good-byes are, there are still painful aspects to them. We will be separated from friends and/or family that we love. We won't see them on a regular basis for a time. Maybe for a very long time. There is a lot of sadness involved as well. Embracing hope in the middle of Change and Good-byes Photo: Canva Will my Life ever be Normal Again after this Change? As you settle in after the change you may or may not have wanted, you wonder if your life will ever be the same again. If it was a change you didn't want, you wonder if you will ever be happy again. If it was a change you wanted, you wonder if your hopes regarding the new change will be as wonderful as you dreamed. The hard changes will take awhile to adjust to. There is no question about it. Give yourself time. Surprisingly, the happy changes can be just as stressful so give yourself time to adjust to them too. If moving your home is involved, add even more time. There is a stress indicator and it is surprising how many stress points can add up when you move or lose people who you are close to in your life. Take a look at this stress test to give yourself an idea of how to care for yourself during times when you are accruing lot of stress points in your life. When the points get over a certain level, you are at a high risk for illness. Here is the link to one simple test. Physical Activity is a Major Stress Reliever There are many simple stress relievers. Physical Activity is a major one. The simplist? Walking regularly. Get in the habit of regularly walking fast enough that your heart gets beating fast. Yes, you can go to exercise classes, play golf, swim, etc. But walking is great exercise, is good for you, and free. If you have people to do it with, so much the better. Social Interaction is another. Don't stay uninvolved with people. Having people to socialize with is also a great de-stressor. You don't have to go to splashy events unless that is something you enjoy doing. Just find people you enjoy being with that are interesting. Maybe you do similar things together, eat together, have a book club, or are in church together serving others, have a nerdy hobby... The important thing is that you don't feel you have to be fake around them. Groups that serve, grow, learn, together are all fun and benefit those who are in them when they participate together. Worship weekly if possible. Don't just stop in, but get involved in the Church you attend. Worship, which often involves being involved in a church. It's a great way to meet people as well as find people you can work with to serve others. But often the ones you are learning with may be in a different group than the ones you are serving with. It's not always the case of course, but it might be. Right now, I'm doing most of my serving in the retirement community where I live because my husband is not well and can't get out much. Sometimes, I have even needed to receive help. I'm not as comfortable being on that end of the stick after all the years of giving it. But as I get weaker, I'm learning to accept help and even ask for it. Yes, it is humbling, but it is good for me to be humbled. Personal Spiritual Growth-Reading Bible and Prayer Daily Spiritual Growth, which I'm including as more of the personal growth part of Christian growth. It also includes things like Bible studies, Sunday School classes, etc. A good church will enhance spiritual growth, helping us not just to focus on ourselves, but on the needs of people around us. What is hope during times of Change? Once again, Biblical hope is confident assurance based on the Person and promises of God. The way it impacts our devotional time is this: As we read God's Word, look for What it says about who God is including who Jesus is and the Holy Spirit is ? What are the promises we see in the Bible? Knowing the promises and who is making them, go hand in hand. Can He keep the promises He is making? Does He have the power to do it? Does He have the integrity to do it? Is He good or evil? There are so many questions about who He is that are clearly stated in the Bible. There are many that we misunderstand. There are others that we wishfully think are so, but may not be. For example, is He a big Santa Claus who overlooks our flaws and says, "There, there, you're only human." (No He doesn't. That's why He had to die on the cross.) From God's Word: For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth.  Upon you I have leaned from before my birth;   you are he who took me from my mother's womb. My praise is continually of you. I have been as a portent to many,     but you are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise,     and with your glory all the day. Do not cast me off in the time of old age;     forsake me not when my strength is spent.  For my enemies speak concerning me;    those who watch for my life consult together  and say, “God has forsaken him; pursue and seize him,     for there is none to deliver him.” O God, be not far from me; O my God, make haste to help me!  May my accusers be put to shame and consumed;     with scorn and disgrace may they be covered who seek my hurt.  But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.  My mouth will tell of your righteous acts,  of your deeds of salvation all the day,  for their number is past my knowledge. Psalm 71:5-15 ESV

Aging brings many changes that can feel overwhelming. Each older woman faces unique challenges as her body, mind, and circumstances shift. These changes can lead to feelings of uncertainty, loss, or loneliness. Yet, for those who place their trust in Christ, aging is not the end of the story. It is a new chapter filled with hope, purpose, and assurance grounded in the person of Christ and His promises. The final chapter here on earth ushers in a new, fresh, eternal chapter that will never end. It will be with Jesus for those who have trusted Him to take on their sin and provide forgiveness and a clear conscience. Today we explore how older women can embrace hope in Christ while navigating the realities of aging. It offers practical encouragement and spiritual insights to help you find strength and confidence in God’s faithfulness every day. Finding Hope in Christ and His Word Photo: Wix Understanding the Unique Challenges of Aging Aging affects every woman differently, but some common challenges often arise: Physical changes  such as decreased mobility, chronic pain, or health conditions. Emotional shifts  including grief over lost loved ones, changes in identity, or feelings of isolation. Mental adjustments  like memory changes or adapting to new routines. Social transitions  such as retirement, changes in family roles, or reduced social circles. These challenges can feel heavy, but they also open the door to new opportunities for growth and deeper faith. Finding Hope in the Person and Promises of God Hope in Christ is not wishful thinking. The word for hope used in the Bible means confident assurance or confident expectation. It is a sure thing. It is not like the English word for hope that can often mean we hope something happens, but realize it is a pipe dream. Biblical hope is more like confident expectation based on God’s character and promises. It is based on solid rock truth, not flighty wistfulness. If there is ever a time in our lives that we need this kind of hope, it is now. Scripture offers many reminders that God remains faithful through every season of life: God’s presence never leaves us : “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Strength is renewed daily : “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31). Purpose continues beyond youth : “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you” (Isaiah 46:4). Peace surpasses understanding : “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds” (Philippians 4:7). By meditating on these truths, older women can anchor their hearts in hope that transcends circumstances. It's not just the promises we meditate on but who the One that made those promises. What does the Bible say about who He is? Looking for those things in God's Word are great for our hope. Practical Ways to Embrace Hope Daily Living out hope in Christ takes intentional steps. Here are some practical ways to nurture your faith as you age: Daily Bible reading    As you read Bible passages, look for God’s attributes. I don't mean just the fun ones. We love His mercy, love, and grace, but His justice is also good too because it means he doesn't play favorites. He is totally fair. What makes Him angry? It is important for us to know. What does He mean when He talks about being righteous? It is difficult to picture a thoroughly righteous person. Journaling your reflections can deepen understanding and encourage your heart when it comes to who He is. This also relates to His promises. It clarifies some of His promises. When we understand who He is, we often understand His promises more clearly. He promises not to change. He is the same. That is encouraging and discouraging. As our mores change, we want Him to change too. But He doesn't. His laws remain the same. Journaling as we read God's Word helps us interact with God and who He is, as well as what He promises and how it interacts with who He is. As well as how all of it interacts with all of the Bible and our everyday lives. I think of it all braiding together. That gives a lot of space for meditating on His Word. I'm not sure if that makes sense to you, but that is how it makes sense to me. Prayer and meditation     As you can see, this transitions well to prayer and meditation. Often, our journaling becomes prayers. But we set aside quiet moments to talk with God and listen too. Journaling that is good as well. Prayer helps release worries and invites God’s guidance. In the end, it all points back to our exercise in the Bible Reading section. I don't think our prayer and Bible reading time is meant to be separated necessarily. They are meant to flow together. It won't always be neat and tidy. God answers prayer. He can give us the wisdom we need, provide strength, move cirumstances, change people, as well as grow us in our understanding of who He is. Community connection    Engage with a faith community or small Church group. Sharing struggles and joys with others strengthens bonds and provides mutual encouragement. During a worship service, the praying aloud, often stretch my understanding of who God is. So does the Bible reading. Smaller groups that involve more discussion and practical application of the truth we are learning, help us as we learn from others who have lived through things we haven't fully lived through...and triumphed (or not) and what they learned from it. Serving others    Find ways to use your gifts to bless others. If you are a caregiver and can't get out, you may be "limited" to sending cards, notes, making phone calls or some other form of outreach. But I can attest to the fact that it is good for your soul to reach out. Gratitude practice    Focus on daily blessings, no matter how small. Gratitude shifts perspective from loss to abundance. Embracing New Purpose and Joy Aging can bring new roles and opportunities to serve. Many older women find joy in mentoring younger generations, volunteering, or pursuing creative passions. These activities reflect God’s ongoing work in their lives and provide a sense of fulfillment. For example, one woman shared how she began leading a Bible study group after retirement. This new role gave her a fresh sense of purpose and deepened her relationship with God and others. Your gifting may not be that public. Another friend learned about the gift of exhortation and started writing notes of Biblical encouragement to people as an outworking of her devotions. She told them she was praying for them and asked if they wanted prayer for something specific, to let her know. They did, and she was praying for many in our church and being used to comfort and encourage them in many ways by her kind notes and messages. Participation in small groups of mixed ages is very beneficial for all involved. It is often surprising the things older people can do to encourage younger people and middle agers during the demands of their life stages. The same goes for the ways younger people can encourage older people by telling them in that setting how they have encouraged them in specific ways. Mentoring at various levels of involvement is not common these days. It helps us to be involved with younger people and it helps them as well. The mutual interaction helpful for all. Overcoming Feelings of Loneliness and Loss Loneliness is a common struggle, especially when friends or family members pass away or move. Faith offers comfort and companionship through God’s presence. Remembering that God understands our pain can bring peace. Practical steps to combat loneliness include: Reaching out regularly to friends or family by phone or in person. Joining church activities or community groups. Exploring hobbies that bring joy and connection. Holding on to Confidence in God’s Plan Aging often brings questions about the future. Trusting God’s plan means believing He is working all things for good, even when the path is unclear. This confidence allows older women to face each day with courage and hope.   May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13 ESV Note: this post was written with the help of AI. It doesn't sound as much like me as normal, but has a lot of info in one post. It is a good post to refer back to. There are other shorter posts with smaller pieces of this information in them.

Welcome to MarthaGrimmBrady.com. I'm here to make you feel welcome. Come sit down and join me. This is a place of Hope. Photo: Wix Each older woman is adjusting to the unique changes and challenges old age has brought her. This is where we become aware of the hope we find in Christ as we place our confident trust in the Person and promises of God , realizing this isn't the final chapter of our story What is the final chapter of our story? The final chapter of our story as Christians, is one of victory, glory, and eternity with God, in heaven. It is a chapter of Light, Life and no more tears ever again. The final chapter of our story will never, ever end. We will be with Jesus forever. The brokenness we have experienced here on earth will be done with. Our personal brokenness as well as the broken systems that are all around us. They will be finished. The only thing left will be God and all His attributes. But for some, their final chapter will not be as hopeful . Hell will be a place where God's attributes will be completely absent. Imagine how awful. There will be no fun parties. There will be no fun, no relationships that are fulfilling. There will be no light. There will be nothing positive or uplifting...but I'm getting way ahead of myself. That is another blog for another day. Heaven is a free gift. It can't be earned. The wonderful thing about heaven is that it is a free gift given and paid for, for anyone who will believe and accept it. Amazingly, there are many who don't want it. It has nothing to do with wealth or working hard to earn your way. The only way we can receive the gift of heaven and a relationship with God is to acknowledge our sin and desperate need for God. In other words, realizing how much we don't deserve it. ..... What God's Word says: And you were dead in the trespasses and sins   in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—   among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy , because of the great love with which he loved us,   even when we were dead in our trespasses , made us alive together with Christ — by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,   so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing ; it is the gift of God ,   not a result of works, so that no one may boast.   For we are his workmanship , created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Galatians 2:1-10 ESV

Welcome to MarthaGrimmBrady.com We're all about hope, particularly for older women. I'm Martha Grimm Brady. I have introduced myself on the About page. But briefly I'll let you know here that I've been a wife to Ron for 57 years (1968) and am now his caregiver as the side effects of his four strokes have kicked in and resulted in some vascular dementia and more recently, swallowing issues. He is a retired pastor. We served in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, where we met in 1965, married in 1968; Mandeville, Jamaica, where he taught at Jamaica Bible College for 7 years and where our children were born; Miami, FL, where we served in 3 different churches; Tyler, TX, where we served 16 years and lived about 25 years; and Hanna City, IL, where we served after Ron retired the first time. I am a retired RN and mom of 3 daughters and 7 grandchildren. We actually had 2 boys in the mix of grands. They are ages 14-23 now. Logo made in Canva My recent history of Caregiving. The last 5 years I worked were in neuro rehab. In 2015, 2 years after we both retired and moved to Huntsville, AL, to be closer to one of our kids, Ron had his first, and worst stroke. Over the next few years, he had 4 strokes all together before we found out: 1. He was one of those people that plavix didn't work on. 2. They found the blood thinner that did work on him. Then, he didn't have another stroke! But by then, the damage was done. It has been a roller coaster of emotions over the past 10+ years and I have written quite a bit about it on this blog. I'm gradually moving over the more helpful posts. This past Spring, his swallowing has gotten much worse and he is now on a pureed diet. Sadly, it gets very boring over time. Of course, he has lost weight too. He falls more and more. Things keep going downhill on this side of heaven. The thing about caregiving is this: it is never neat and tidy. Plan on it. It just isn't. You have too many hats to wear. You are caring for your husband/wife, parent, whoever. You carry baggage with that relationship. That part of it tends to be more emotional. Then you have the caregiving to manage in the middle of it. That is often more physical. The spiritual part is confident trust in God and His promises or Hope The spiritual part is when either or both tanks start to run on empty . Depending on the demands of your relationship and caregiving, that can happen rather quickly. It all depends. It also depends on how many other demands you have on your time and emotions, you know, like a job, family, financial stress... things like that. That's when you need hope. You need to confidently trust in God to carry you through your times of weakness--both emotionally and physically. How does He do it? It is often through other people but some of it is through your thinking. Details are in coming posts. In Closing Over the past 10+ years, I have learned a lot about who God is and what His promises are . I have also learned a lot about how much I need to learn. I'll share with you some of what I have learned in the coming posts. What have you learned about God? What promises have you learned from His Word as you have aged or been through hard times? Share in the comments .