Posts Tagged ‘seniors’

Feeling Feeble?

Monday, August 31st, 2009

Several times a week I walk around a local park for exercise. I love the community atmosphere – I see young moms pushing strollers, teens on rollerblades, joggers of all ages, seniors in electric scooters, and people with special needs.

On occasion I see elderly folks moving along, slowly but surely, while leaning on their walkers for support. This equipment is especially necessary if their balance is tipsy or their legs are feeble and prone to buckle beneath them. The walker steadies them and enables them to enjoy God’s creation rather than be confined to the indoors.

Now transfer this picture to a spiritual analogy. Psalm 40:2 says, “He (God) lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.”

Life sometimes hands us experiences that make us feel feeble and frail. The muck of discouragement sucks our feet down, and it’s difficult to stand, let alone move forward. Our knees buckle under us, especially if we’re carrying a weight of fear or guilt.

Thankfully we don’t have to live as feeble women because God’s Word has made a wonderful promise: God will steady us. When we’re feeling weak, He will be our strength. When we’re feeling unable to stand, He will be our stability.

How does God do this? Often it’s through a meaningful Scripture at just the right time, through the lyrics of a special song, or through the words spoken by a friend or even a stranger. In my case, I usually experience His steadying hand through a Bible verse that seems written especially for me and my circumstances. My journal is filled with verses that have given me strength for my walk.

Have you experienced His promise to steady you during a difficult time? Encourage us by sharing that story with us!

Senior Care

Monday, March 9th, 2009

Journal Entry for Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Lovin' on the senior women from this Romanian village

Lovin' on the senior women from this Romanian village

Door hangers par excellence!

Door hangers par excellence!

What a fun morning! When we showed up at the dining room for breakfast, the women who we met last year greeted us with warm smiles and hugs. Even the older children seemed to remember us.

 

Following a staff Bible study, about 17 senior widows from the village came for the equivalent of a “Girls’ Morning Out.” I’d brought a simple craft for them to make. At first, they wanted me to glue the shapes and rhinestones onto the door knob hangers, but I was able to convince them to place the shapes where they wanted them, and then I did the gluing for them. Once they got started, they really enjoyed themselves. Here’s a great photo! The lady in the middle is 97 years old!

 

When the craft was finished, I shared my testimony with them, reminding them that God is with them and will help them when they feel afraid. A hot lunch for them followed, and then it was time to take them home. Our IMers did that, pushing wheelchairs for those unable to walk the distance to their houses.

 

Caring for the village seniors is a very important ministry. Some of these folks live in houses with dirt floors and no hot water. Some suffer physical abuse at the hands of their grown children. All need to feel loved and valued, and this weekly outing is where it happens.

 

The care home has a new resident. She’s 27 years old and began living on the streets 21 years ago after being sexually abused by her father. In December she gave birth to a wee girl, but she has no idea how to care for her. She’s sniffed glue for so long that her mind isn’t working properly anymore, so she needs significant help in learning to care for her baby. I thank the Lord for the River of Life ministry and the staff who run it. What an amazing place! (Note: about a week after our visit, this young gal left her baby at River of Life and returned to the streets. Pray for wisdom for our staff, and for this woman to return.)