September 24
Scripture: Exod 17:12
Source author: Kathleen Brown
September 24
Standing With a Friend Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur . . . stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. —Exodus 17:12
Mom had Alzheimer’s. Early on, I realized I needed help caring for her, but I was unbelievably stubborn. When my husband gathered information about support groups, I refused to attend. My stomach churned at the thought of sitting in a roomful of people talking about the same challenges I faced every day. But he persevered, and then my friend Judy joined the effort. They were so persistent that I finally began to weaken. The grace that eventually melted my resistance was the shocking postscript Judy tacked onto each plea: “Please give it a try. I’ll go with you.” Who would volunteer for that? Who would offer to sit and listen to the stories I knew would be shared? But Judy did. So we went. And I experienced the relief that comes from sharing. The strength that comes from knowing you’re not alone. Now I help others in Alzheimer’s support groups. I can stand beside them because of those who stood beside me— God, and a friend.
Love helps us hold each other up. — Kathleen Brown —