Thursday, January 12, 2012

Care For The Forgotten

And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing.

-- Psalm 71:9

Last night a group of wonderful people gathered together to launch a new ministry geared to those who are mostly forgotten. They have vowed to care with actions -- visits, phone calls, cards.

It is easy to become forgotten. An illness. Old age. Physical limitations that make getting out and about difficult or impossible. And, suddenly it seems, people don’t know who you are. They don’t remember your name. Or your birthday. Or the holidays that come and go.

It’s sad that no master list exists in our church of those who are elderly or in need. What about at your church? Can you, or anyone, name all those who need visits and assistance, those who are too sick or feeble to go out alone anymore?

Are there people in your life you should check on? Are there people who would love a visit from you? Do you know someone who can no longer drive that needs groceries, medicine or just a chance to attend church or eat at a restaurant? Maybe someone you know is too sick to cook but could really use a hot meal? The opportunities to show God’s love are endless. The chance to live your faith is right before you.

We organized a list as best we could. We divided up the names and we’re going to call and visit and report back to each other. When enough people are involved, no one gets overwhelmed. And we’re all blessed for being a part of something wonderful.

I’m not sure how this program will develop. I expect, as one person noted, that other names will emerge as we continue. Other people will suggest their family members, their neighbors, someone they haven’t seen at church in a while.

That’s how God always intended it to be. We were always supposed to take care of others. Our blood family, of course, but also our church family. And, then, those around us who are alone and in need. What happened? Did we get so caught up in ourselves that we forgot to care about others?

It’s easy to see why some people think that God has forgotten them. Everyone else has. That’s why it’s so important that we show up. That we care by giving of ourselves. Because it is through us that others see God. It is through us that others know that God is still there. He sees them. He remembers their names.