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SPIRITUAL ALZHEIMER'S
Private Notes
Private Notes
Notes
In the book of Matthew, we read the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. A merchant, who owed more than he could ever expect to be able to repay, begged for and received mercy from his master. For the debt he owed, he was not only given forbearance but the debt was completely forgiven.
Immediately after receiving this life-altering forgiveness, he encountered a another who owed him. The debt owed the first servant was paltry in comparison his forgiven debt. Rather than extending the same kindness he had received, he acted with cruelty. As a result, the punishment meted out by his master for this action was severe.
What was wrong with this guy? This parable's character suffered from Spiritual Alzheimer's. "Is that a real thing?" you may ask. Let me explain what I mean.
My Mother was one of the brightest lights I have ever known. Both intellectually and spiritually she shone for decades. At 83 years old, she has suffered from Alzheimer's Disease for about seven years now. Her once-sharp wit has been reduced to nonsensical phrases of frustration. One can sense her frustration at being unable to put together a sensible sentence. The words won't come together any longer. In spite of this, she is still one of the most pleasant people you'll ever meet.
She hasn't known my brothers, me or her grandkids now for several years. Even her husband of over 60 years is now a nice man who comes to see her a lot. When I visit her, Mom says, "It's been so long," even when it's only been a couple of days. Alzheimer's has taken from her the ability to remember
Alzheimer's kills the brain from inside. It eats away the memory receptors, taking away the ability to remember. At first small things like grandkids' soccer games, upcoming birthdays, etc. are forgotten. In time, it forgets how to swallow, how to make one's heart beat, even how to breathe. Here is how Spiritual Alzheimer's can affect our walk with Christ.
What could make us forget the pit from which we were dug? Sin and its corrosive effect on our souls eats away at our spiritual memory. It impairs functions such as gratitude, forgiveness and peace. It, too, will in time cause spiritual death.
For good reason the Apostle Paul reminded us, "Whatever is good, . . . think on these things." If we don't exercise our spiritual memory by honing in on Spirit's voice and prompting, we tend to forget. The good is gone a we gravitate toward the base. Then aphasia (the inability to clearly express thoughts) sets in, as with physical Alzheimer's. This results in spiritual nonsense spewing forth, justifications for our unrighteous behaviors.
In the flesh, Alzheimer's Disease has no cure, with an eventual 100% mortality rate. Spiritual Alzheimer's is curable, but only if checked in time by repentance. Other curatives include the remembrance of and reconciliation with the goodness of God.
Check yourself. Do you remember the pit from whence you have been dug? How long has it been since you had a good, heart-to-heart with the Father? Well friend, that's too long.
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My Mother was one of the brightest lights I have ever known. Both intellectually and spiritually she shone for decades. At 83 years old, she has suffered from Alzheimer's Disease for about seven years now. Her once-sharp wit has been reduced to nonsensical phrases of frustration. One can sense her frustration at being unable to put together a sensible sentence. The words won't come together any longer. In spite of this, she is still one of the most pleasant people you'll ever meet.
That's sad, I know the frustration, not specifically for that disease, I don't know specifically what it is, but my Aunt has seemed to develop memory loss, and I know how frustrated it is that she needs help with a lot of things now and can't remember basic things. To once be capable of simple task to move your life forward on the daily basis, to having to call and rely on family to get you from point A to B is very frustrating. She is still pleasant to me. I know of other elders that hold onto being able to be capable as they were when they were younger so much that they become mean and controlling. It's a sad battle.-
It's tragic, indeed. Blessings to you and your aunt.
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Thanks for sharing your story, explaining what Alzheimer is generally and on the spiritual level, and giving us some food for thought on our outlook on life.
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My Mom's dementia has robbed her of many things but it has yet to rob her of her sweet spirit. For that we are immensely grateful. Thanks for your responses. Many who suffer from dementia refuse to go for a simple assessment which could confirm and allow for treatment to slow the progress. Alzheimer's is a fatal disease, eventually eating away at even the basic functions as the brain's control of autonomic functions, such as breathing. That's why they call it the long goodbye. It eventually becomes physically and emotionally taxing on the surviving family members, which can result in caregiver breakdown and demise, as well. Take care of and love dearly your aunt and other loved ones. Don't put it off until later, because eventually there is no later.
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Interesting read!
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Thanks.
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Sorry that you and your mother are going through this. It is tough to watch someone you love begin to fade away.
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Thanks for your condolences. That's why they call it the long goodbye.
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Amen!