The picture accompanying today’s blog shows Linda joyfully playing “Bat the Ball.” Just across the hallway, earlier that day, Stephanie, our daughter, and I had spent several hours in her room: We cleaned nooks and crannies, sorted out items that did not belong to her, arranged her clothes into matching sets, threw away everything that was worn out and made a list of needed items. Aware of her mother’s appreciation for beautiful décor, Stephanie provided an update by installing a new comforter on the bed with matching pillows on the chairs. Upon completion, we enjoyed a visit with Linda. As expected, she never said a word about the room with the new comforter and pillows.  The total scenario provides great insight into Alzheimer’s impact. Let’s analyze it in terms of physical reality, spiritual opportunities, and lessons to be learned:

Physical Reality

With this horrible disease, no favoritism is shown. Even though no two sufferers follow the same path, there is one consistency: Over time, normal growth and development is reversed and the victim gradually returns to a state of total dependency. Presently, with the aid of medical science, loving caregivers and the support of her family, Linda lives a purposeful life and there are brief glimpses of the pleasures she experienced as a child. From a human standpoint, I am overwhelmed with excitement when I see her participating in activities that bring her joy. At the same time, I am fully aware that if God in His sovereignty allows this disease to ultimately take her life, very difficult and degrading changes are ahead, which will greatly impact both of us.

Spiritual Opportunities

Throughout our marriage, seeing herself as a person who finds pleasure in helping others, Linda had difficulty understanding Jesus’ rebuke of Martha and praise for Mary: 

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:38:42 NLT).

Even though she still seeks to help the staff by cleaning up after meals and arranging chairs around the tables, I find it wonderfully rewarding to see her unapologetically receive ministry from others, including me, and simply say, “Thank you!”

Lessons to be Learned

A century ago, among liberal scholars not convinced of the inerrancy of the Bible, there was a shift toward defining God in the image of man. As this thinking worked its way into mainstream denominations, it was soundly rejected by Evangelicals. Unfortunately, in some circles, that united resistance seems to be eroding; and a message of “anything goes” is gaining ground: God is portrayed as tolerant of sin, suffering is to be rejected, and Christ’s promise of abundant living seems to be confused with living out the American dream. 

Unable to eloquently speak, or in some cases speak at all, Linda and her fellow residents at Legacy Village still have much to teach their fellow believers: 

• They demonstrate that Alzheimer’s does not negate the true meaning of Christ’s promise of abundant life: 

I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly (John 10:9-10 NKJV).

Prior to the pandemic, my favorite time of the week was attending Sunday worship with Linda and her friends. With amazement, I watched as they, usually without music, sang unto the Lord, attentively listened to the message, and reverently bowed their heads in prayer. I always left with the feeling that I had been spiritually cleansed.

• Involuntarily stripped of the world’s value system, they are not anchored to the past. Constantly adjusting to changing circumstances, they show us how to prepare for eternity:

 …the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever (1 John 2:16-17 NLT).