Zombies, Demons and Devils

 

Gleanings from the Gospel of Mark, Chapter One

In Chapter one of the Gospel of Mark, Jesus began his ministry  by submitting to baptism. Afterwards, He immediately called four of His disciples. He then  started healing people.

In Chapter 1:21-34, Mark summarizes a few miracles. He tells us Jesus healed many and cast out demons.

From His place in heaven, Jesus continues a healing ministry. Sometimes he cures because we pray, and sometimes he uses doctors. And yet, suffering and the unknown continue to mystify us.

There are too many horrible diseases with unknown remedies, and I pray God directs science to the cures.

Not all ailments had names back in the day of Jesus. Many of them were merely called demons. Science later has identified many of these diseases.

Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke, Alzheimers, MS, ALS, mental illness are a few that kill daily. These evil invasions to our bodies cause suffering, not only for the patient, but for families as well.

And these horrible virus bugs are demons with names.

They rob the body and mind of health.

Not only can germ killing bugs enter a body, but a literal demonic spirit can take up home in a person.

I know, I know. Some don't believe that, but  minions of Satan exist, and yes they can inhabit a nonbeliever. Never a believer. Christ dwells within the believer, and there's only room for Him.

But Satan can use disease to affect us all.

Join with me in praying:

1.  For science to find cures.

2. Once they are available, we can afford them.

3. Thank God for those working to find them.

I took our daughter to the neurologist last week. She's young and beautiful, and her demenita worsens. The doctor, as kindly as he could, told us there is no cure yet. Science doesn't even know how Alzheimer's comes to us.

Our daughter didn't understand everything he said. Dementia is a robber of memory and cognitive skills, but she replied, "I'm so scared."

4. Pray for peace of mind for those who suffer.

Is Alzheimer and dementia a demon? To me, it is.

The Old Lovers

 

A young man asked his grandfather this question.

"Why did you hang your ancient marriage license to Grandmother on the wall next to the kitchen table? Everyone knows you two have been married sixty years."

The grandfather replied, "I needed a way to remember her name, and I see it now three times a day."

Not a good joke, right?

As more and more of us deal with loved ones who have dementia, we realize how important our minds are.

My daughter with dementia can no longer read. Documents don't help her.

I spent the afternoon with her yesterday. I read cards she'd kept from her early days of marriage. Her hubby died in 2015, about the time she was diagnosed. They were sweet cards and she cried. I left them on a side table and wished she could read them at will.

Appreciate your memory.
Appreciate your ability to read.
Appreciate your independence.

Take nothing for granted. It could be gone in a second.

We may forget who we are, but God always knows us and calls us by name. Take comfort, my friend.

Dancing in the Rain

Ever had one of those days when crying seemed a good idea?

Yep, me too.

Especially lately.

From time to time, I write about our ill daughter. I don't talk about her often, just sometimes.

Her disease is a painful one to experience. Dementia. Alzheimer's. She's too young for it, but disease respects no gender, skin color, nationality, or age.

Of course all fatal disease is horrific, and we who stand by to comfort and help the ill person find it difficult. Some days we're at a loss as to what to say or do.

My dear, sweet, cousin, who was more like a brother to me, died a few years ago with oral cancer. The doctors removed his tongue. That was horrific, too. No longer could he talk or eat. He spent one day in bed. Silent. He then accepted his condition, got up, and became an inspiration for us all.  He lived his remaining days with 

a positive attitude. He wrote notes. He called on the phone and pressed buttons to make tones. He ran his business while ill.

He danced in the rain.

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's learning to dance in the rain."--Vivian Green.

I don't know what Ms Green was going through when she penned the phrase, but isn't it excellent?

Some rainstorms last a long time. Dancing is a challenge during a torrential downpour.

A patient with dementia can live for 8 to 10 years or longer, declining each day. These patients degenerate until only a shell of a person remains. 

God didn't give us any pleasant ailments. Suffering isn't fun. Grief and misery takes work and faith.

Here's a scene from an a Sarah book coming in November. Sarah, a klutzy angel, is appearing as a 90 year old human lady. Julie, her charge, faces a monumental decision.

Julie folded her hands and chewed her lip. She finally glanced up. “Believing is difficult."

Sarah answered without a beat. “Look at it this way. Ya go to sleep at night believin’ you’ll wake up in the mornin’. Ya get on an airplane believin’ it will get ya someplace. You go to the doctor sick and trust him to prescribe the correct medicine. See? You use faith in everyday situations. Ya just don’t think about it. You live it. Faith becomes part of you. Believin’ is a matter of choice."

Sarah gave good advice. Faith is a matter of choice, but at times, it's a difficult choice to make.

Here's one thing I've learned. It's okay to cry while you dance.

May the God of hope will you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13 NIV.