Thought For The Day

Old Folks

I would suppose that almost all people know some “old folks.” What is problematic is that so many older people are abused – and in a multitude of ways. Certainly being physically or emotionally hammered may be a growing problem, but there are other ways in which to abuse that are so easily solved.
An ABC report from Associated Press says:
As many as 2 million older Americans are abused in various ways each year, experts estimate. The majority of cases are at the hands of relatives or other caregivers. Some of the forms, besides physical assault, that elder abuse can take: Inappropriate use of drugs and physical restraints. Treating the elderly person like a small child. Failure to provide sufficient food, clothing, shelter, personal hygiene, education, comfort or safety. Isolating the person from friends, family, other social activities.
While I have seen all of these – and more, during the course of my work, I will speak only of the last. So often I talk with elderly folks who so wish to attend Church services at a “regular” Church on Sunday. Many have spent their entire life in Church, and they miss the multitude of blessings that are a part of the ministry of a Church. It is true that some Churches don’t welcome “old folks,” but most do.
So here’s the issue. Could you. . .would you (go out of your way, perhaps) pick up an older person who can’t do it without you, and take/bring them to Church? Do you have an older family member, friend, acquaintance, or be willing to find someone who would go in a heartbeat if they had a way? Read that last sentence from the quote above. Would anyone ever think you guilty of “elder abuse.”
I’m sure the writer of this article from which I quoted was not thinking about “old folks” and “Church.” But it is fair to ask – “What would Jesus do?”

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