Today’s post will be twofold. First I want to share how you can help me in my work. Then we will visit how we can help each other to remain hopeful and remain strong as we adjust to change around us.
Some of you may be new readers due to being at home more. Part of my work with the Shoals Walk to End Alzheimer’s includes sharing the mission of what the Alzheimer’s Association does. Today my buddy and I would like to share about Trial Match.
Trial match is a free and easy to use service. The data base contains more than 250 studies open to people with dementia, caregivers and healthy volunteers so they can be matched with both pharmacological (drug) and non-pharmacological (non-drug) studies. These studies provide insight to developing treatments and possibly a cure one day.
It is simple to do. Check it out at https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research_progress/clinical-trials/about-clinical-trials
We need representation from all communities.
- Older African-Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias as older whites.
- Hispanics are about one and one-half times as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias as older whites.
Alzheimer’s crosses all lines just like this coronavirus. The more we know about it, the easier it will be to treat or cure. We need to be able to address the stress on caregivers as well. Thank you for considering getting involved.
Now for part two…
“Christians are like the several flowers in a garden that have each of them the dew of heaven, which, being shaken with the wind, they let fall at each other’s roots, whereby they are jointly nourished, and become nourishers of each other.” John Bunyan
When life becomes challenging, we often see the very best and very worst of humanity. We must be careful to look for the best and offer our best in these times. Each of us have unique talents and gifts to share. We can use these to nourish the hearts and souls of others. First, we must spend time with God to find the dew from heaven that we need to share. Next, we need to look for ways we can reach out to others. God created us and has instilled creativity in us.
Here are just a few of the ideas I have read about.
- sewing masks
- singing to neighbors
- posted videos
- shopping for someone considered high risk
- praying in hospital parking lots
- buying meals for front line workers
I am truly missing being able to visit in the assisted living. I may drive over and wave at some through the windows this afternoon.
My husband and I have been blessed by meeting with our small group from church online and participating in live worship and prayer times being shared through members of our church.We are praying about what God is asking of us during this time. I think each of us has something to offer and encourage you to find what you can do. As I stated in earlier posts, caregivers have to learn to be flexible and adapt to change. Now all of us are accepting that as a part of our lives.
Word for Today
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12: 6-8
Song for Today
Prayer for Today
Dear Heavenly Father,
Today we come to you as the source of our hope and strength. As we sit at your feet, refuel us until we are overflowing with love for others. Then open our eyes to opportunities to pour into the lives of others. We don’t want to cower in fear behind closed doors. We desire to use that time to hear you speak into our lives.
You have given each of us creativity. Show us how to use it to bless others. Help us to be flexible and adapt to ways of doing ministry outside of the box.
We ask that you embrace those who are totally isolated. They long to feel the touch of another human, but this is not safe. Remind them that you do have them engraved in the palm of your hand.
We thank you that through all of the changes in this world, You remain the same!
Amen
Walking Them Home 