Keeping Love Alive as Memories FadeSample

Immanuel

When Alzheimer's disease or another dementia begins to take hold of a person, loved ones may at first only sense that something is now "different." Relationships gradually grow distant as dementia relentlessly unravels the bonds that connect human beings to one another. Eventually, the person with the disease loses the ability to hold up his or her side of the relationship. As a relationship that was once emotionally equal becomes more and more one-sided, care partners become caregivers and their journey often becomes very lonely.

If you are a Christ follower, however, while you may indeed feel lonely, it is certain that you are never alone. The very name of your Lord Jesus is Immanuel, which means "God is with us."

God has always desired to be with His people. In Old Testament times, God the Holy Spirit was present on earth, manifesting Himself and His power at various times in various ways. When Jesus the Messiah was born, God the Son entered the world physically, in human form. He walked and talked, ate, slept, and wept just as those He created did then and do now. Just before He was crucified, Jesus told His followers that He would not leave them as orphans, but would ask the Father to send them a Comforter to take His place. He was talking about the Holy Spirit, and He promised them something astonishing. He told them that the Holy Spirit would not only be with them, but would live in them.

Just as Jesus promised, the Holy Spirit did come, and He did make His home in the hearts of those who loved him. This promise has held true through the centuries. The Holy Spirit actually, literally resides within all who are truly His, including you if Jesus is your Lord. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the ultimate expression of Immanuel, God with us.

Immanuel longs to be your best friend and your constant and closest companion. Through the supernatural indwelling of His Spirit, this is possible. Though the gulf between you and the person for whom you provide care is certain to widen, Immanuel will remain close, present with you in each moment of the caregiving journey. You can continually rely upon, rest in, and be guided by His loving, faithful presence within you.   

How amazing and truly wonderful is that?