Called to Flourish | Episode 8 :Called to Love- A conversation on practical ways to show Christ’s love while serving in a Nursing Home with Mary Garner
.👉 You can listen to the full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/called-to-flourish-podcast/id1825904379?i=1000726569388
When I sat down with my mother-in-law, Mary, for this week’s episode of Called to Flourish, I knew it would be special. What I didn’t expect was just how deeply her stories would move me — and challenge me.Mary’s love for nursing homes began when she was just a little girl in the 1950s. Her mom was part of a church group called the Gray Ladies, and she tagged along to visits at a small nursing home in Pleasant Garden. Mary remembers sitting in the laps of residents, being wheeled around in chairs, and singing hymns while a lady played the piano. Those early memories planted seeds of compassion that have grown into a lifetime of ministry.
As she shared, I was struck by how simple things made the biggest impact. In Panama and St. Kitts, she massaged lotion into hands and feet, brought Caribbean music that made residents dance from their chairs, and offered little treats that made people feel cared for. At The Village at Brookwood here in North Carolina, she spent her days reading the obituaries to a friend who couldn’t see, baking so the smell filled the halls, linking arms with a frightened woman to sing “Moonlight Bay” down the corridor, and moving residents out of their lonely rooms to sit together at one table for lunch. Her stories reminded me that it doesn’t take much — time, touch, and attention — to show someone they are valuable. A hand squeeze, eye contact, a favorite song, or noticing a photo on the nightstand can mean the world.Mary also shared practical wisdom for preparing our girls before they go into a nursing home. She encouraged us not to push nervous kids, but to start with group activities like singing, bingo, or crafts so they can ease into the environment. She reminded me that listening well — not rushing to the next question — is the best way to truly connect.I especially loved her suggestion to ask fun questions that spark memories:What’s a funny memory from your childhood?Did you ever get into mischief with your siblings or friends?What was your favorite game as a child?What kind of work did you do?
Hearing Mary talk about how much residents love children made me even more excited for our troop’s next visit. I told her about the sun-catcher craft we’re making, with bright tissue paper and little notes that say “Jesus loves you.” She lit up at the idea, knowing how meaningful those little gifts can be in a resident’s room.The moment that brought tears to my eyes was when she told me about a man named Bob. For years he didn’t want to talk about God, but one day, after many conversations and much patience, he said, “You know, I do.” Right there, he prayed to receive Christ. Later, the chaplain confirmed that Bob brought it up himself, and Mary had the joy of knowing she’d been part of his journey home.
As we wrapped up our conversation, Mary reminded me that visits don’t have to be long — just sincere. “One day,” she said, “we’ll be the ones hoping someone comes to visit us.”I left our interview both encouraged and convicted. Encouraged, because this is exactly the kind of meaningful service I want my girls to experience. Convicted, because it’s easy to get so caught up in busyness that we forget about the people who just need to be seen, heard, and loved.
If you’re preparing to bring your troop into a nursing home — or even if you just want to visit with your own kids — I hope Mary’s wisdom encourages you the way it did me
.👉 You can listen to the full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/called-to-flourish-podcast/id1825904379?i=1000726569388
And friend, I’d love to hear from you: have you or your kids visited a nursing home before? What moments stood out to you?