Forget Me Not

Dear Single Way -

As a not-so-young single, I've reached the point in life where I'm beginning to think about the end times – my own.  I live alone and have no children.  But even some of my friends with children are worried too because their families live so far away.  Here's my basic dilemma.  I have no one to take care of me when I'm old and feeble.  This may sound crazy, but who will check me into the nursing home when the time comes?

-----Forget Me Not

Dear Forget:

All of us will face our own personal end times unless, of course, the Lord comes first.  There is a growing wave of people who share your fear.  Some worry that they might die at home and nobody would know.  Being alone and forgotten as our days end can be a frightening prospect.

This is the stark reality of our independent American lifestyle.  Families were created to care for one another through the cycle of life from birth through death.  Unfortunately, it's rare for relatives to live in the same place anymore.  So God's plan is thwarted by our mobile ways and means.

But there is good news!  The church has a long history of offering support, even beginning with the apostles.  We have a family in Christ that can be closer than brothers and sisters.  Yes, even closer than children.  There are many ways to find support through our church community. 

Now, most of us aren't in the habit of reaching out either in need or with help for others.  We're too self reliant these days.  It's time to revive the lost art of living in Christian community.  Here are a few suggestions:

• Start today to help older people in your church.  Visit those who can't leave home or are in care facilities. 

• Why not be a spiritual parent to some young people?  This ministry builds new mothers and fathers, sons and daughters in Christ.

• Find out what your pastor does to help those who can't take care of themselves.  Make sure that your church has an active care ministry.

• See if you can leave information on file at the church regarding your medical wishes, next of kin, and funeral desires.

• Don't forget to have a talk with your lawyer and banker about end of life decisions.  They can walk you through the maze of legal issues.

Nobody should ever be alone in the family of God.  We've just gotten out of the habit of being a family.  Let's start a revival of caring and vibrant Christian communities.  Invest in the lives of your spiritual kinfolk.  Then you won't be left alone when your end time comes.

Copyright 2003, Calvin R. Wulf and Lisa Are Wulf

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"Let's start a revival of caring and vibrant Christian communities."