Jill’s House as a “Sacred Opening”
“Amidst continual caregiving, respite provides a sacred opening for a caregiver to reconnect with both self and God.”
A new peer-reviewed article in Practical Theology by Melody V. Escobar and Erik W. Carter of Baylor University explores the profound impact of respite care through a biblical lens. Building on their 2024 report examining the impact of Jill’s House on families, this new publication delves deeper into the theological meaning of rest and its implications for churches.
In the 2024 study, parents described Jill’s House as a “lifeline” that strengthens marriages, deepens sibling relationships, and rekindles spiritual and emotional well-being. It shows how children with intellectual disabilities flourish in this environment of belonging and adventure—gaining confidence, friendship, and joy.
In this new Practical Theology journal article, the researchers invite churches and faith communities to view respite as a theological practice—an expression of God’s invitation to rest and renewal. By offering spaces of compassion and inclusion, congregations can act in obedient faith and extend the Sabbath’s restorative promise to families who need it most.
