Almost all major news outlets and social media platforms are saturating us with a steady stream of conflicting information. Combine this with the absence of a clear prophetic voice in the church and you have a recipe for creating psychological instability, fear and despair. Long-term caregivers to those who are suffering from dementia are already on emotional overload and, therefore, extremely susceptible to this malady. For me to claim immunity would indicate I am in denial, or even worse, demonstrate that I am being intentionally disingenuous.
Caught Off Guard
After years of being Linda’s constant companion as she has struggled through debilitating changes over which she has no control, I am accustomed to the reality that whatever works today may not work tomorrow; however, this week caught me off guard:
- Monday was a day of contrasts. In the early afternoon, I received a picture of her eating pizza and displaying a bright smile. The caption read: “She has been talking to the Lord a lot today.” Two hours later, when I tried to Face Time with her, she was totally disconnected and the call lasted less than a minute. Three hours later, in a second attempt which lasted three minutes, she recognized me and enjoyed my singing You Are My Sunshine, even though she told me I was off key.
- On Tuesday, during a scheduled doctor’s visit, it was determined that she had an Ileus in her colon and would have to be on a liquid diet for five days. She stayed in bed most of the day, but by late evening was feeling much better.
- Determined that I would not allow myself to surrender to despair, on Wednesday I attempted to exchange a Christmas gift at Linda’s favorite mall in Chattanooga. Memories of our countless trips there flooded my mind: She would shop while I found a lounging area and read my latest book. And, now I was alone! So much for my resolve, waves of grief hit me at the deepest level of my being. Much to my surprise and delight, later in the afternoon, I enjoyed a great Face Time visit with her.
- On Thursday, a second X-Ray revealed the difficulty with her colon had not been resolved and the liquid diet was to be continued until next Monday. Interestingly, that afternoon, we had a delightful Face Time visit. For the remainder of the week, her changing behavior proved to be the norm; and highlighted the reality that losing Linda is not a matter of if, but when.
With the exception of reports of tiredness and observable sporadic lethargy, Linda came through Covid-19 surprisingly well; and I unrealistically expected a lull in the storm. Big mistake! Of greater importance, I underestimated the personal impact of the social and religious climate chronicled in the beginning of this blog.
A Plan of Action
Awareness of my weakness and the surpassing greatness of God’s power have impacted me afresh and anew. I was caught off guard, but have since laid claim to a plan of action that has enabled the people of God to victoriously face the vicissitudes of life for the past two thousand years:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:4-7 NIV).
Personal Application
After nearly sixty years of ministry, I still have to remind myself that merely hearing the Word of God is not sufficient for change. I must receive the imparted truth and make it part of the very fabric of my life. In essence, my doing will always flow out of my being. Now, what does Paul’s plan of action look like as I continue to walk victoriously through the long goodbye with my precious wife?
- I must always remember that the second coming of Jesus Christ is near; however, until that time comes, a downtrodden attitude or harsh behavior will be of no value to Linda, me or anyone that I seek to inspire!
- Anxiety is not only futile, it is debilitating; conversely, thanksgiving unto God is a powerful antidote for psychological instability, fear and despair. Therefore, all of my prayers must be accompanied by thanksgiving unto God for what he has done in the past, is doing in the present, and will do in the future.
- Obedience to God yields powerful dividends. The peace of God is not dependent on my circumstances. Rather, it consistently enables me to reproduce the life of Christ, regardless of loss, hardship or pain.
Ron Harvard Ministries 