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Inspirations From The Mountains
October 19, 2009
There’s an old saying that says, “There are two sides to every story.” I want to consider one of those stories today, and it’s the other side of loneliness.
What if I was a shut-in? I try to picture myself confined to a bed or chair in an 8X12 room. It might be in the home of family, but it could also be in a rest home or hospital. My ability to help myself is mostly gone, and the only folks I ever see are my care-givers or an occasional family member or friend. How do I cope with this kind of isolation and loneliness? It’s one of those things I try not to think about, but there’s no guarantee that it will never happen.
We are compelled by scripture to visit such folks because they need to stay connected to God’s family. Many have no family left and sometimes there are days when no one comes. It’s sad to say, but too often we leave the visiting to the pastor or church elder. We’re too busy so we figure someone else will do it. In reality we just don’t care that much.
But I’d like to tell you about someone who does care--my brother-in-law, Delmar Somoskey and his wife, Joyce. God has gifted them with an incredible compassion for the elderly and confined. A good part of each week is spent making calls to shut-ins, and hugs, pats and prayers are always part of the visit. Once a week they have a rest home service and sometimes Delmar will go to the room of a reluctant or discouraged patient and personally escort them to the service. Funerals are also a regular part of their ministry, as well as phone calls.
Their days are spent in homes, hospitals and rest homes among the sick and dying. They start early and must often stay late if necessary. Sometimes they get so weary they can hardly put one foot in front of the other, but they keep going. If you were to ask them if it is worth it, they would say a hearty “yes!”
Beloved, we need more folks like them. Could God be calling some of us to this kind of ministry? If we can’t visit, we can write cards, make phone calls and pray. It’s our responsibility, so let’s do our part. If we don’t, who will?
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, Who comforts us in our tribulation that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians, 1:3-4 (NKJV) --Rebecca Somoskey
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