Freedom and Isolation

 Freedom... It is what I named my new vehicle which includes a scooter lift. Yesterday, I experienced some of that freedom. The new alternative treatments have allowed me to get out of the house a bit. Each week, I see a little more strength return. Slowly, carefully, I have been able to experience more of these times out of the house. I am soaking up every bit of being out before flu season, cold, ice, and snow return at which point I will be shut in and isolated once more. 

(Side Note: Disabled since age three, I have been shut in and isolated a majority of the time since September of 2019 with increased and significant health issues since October of 2018. Even now, each trip must be carefully planned and prepared for including scheduling recovery time. We have to make sure I will not be in crowds (germs) or around allergens/asthma triggers; the venue will be handicapped friendly; and all needed meds, snacks, protective equipment, and items for any possible contingency are available. Time out of the house still requires adequate recovery time.)

As my heart rejoiced with my time OUT of the house, I was reminded of those who are still stuck in with one health issue after another plaguing them. They are still experiencing the isolation and depression. What about the families of disabled kiddos who are so isolated as they fight their daily battles? It made me realize how we as Christians so often fail these precious saints. 

Yes, I remember visiting the shut-ins with cookies or cards growing up. We had their names on our prayer list growing up. These are great things to do for the shut in. I know that our churches reached out with house repairs and assistance with car repair as well as caroling at Christmas time or taking a meal at holidays. 

What I didn't understand until I walked through isolation myself is the intense loneliness, depression, and lethargy that comes when you are imprisoned in your home in poor health. "Solitary confinement" is not for the faint of heart. Every day is the same. You lack human touch and interaction. My friends, I believe we have missed the mark in caring for these precious people. They need fellowship and community while respecting their limitations and needs.

But, you say, the pandemic has brought more online resources for the shut-ins. Don't these things help? Yes, these resources are a wonderful side effect of a very bad situation. However, fellowship is missing from the livestream church service. There is a longing in our hearts for community. We need someone to laugh, cry, share, pray, and study God's Word with. 

What would God have us to do?

• James 1:27, "Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress..."
• Hebrews 13:3, "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body."
• Romans 12:15, "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." 

Many, many other verses tell of caring for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Each one of them has different needs. We must listen, connect, and come alongside. Are there things we can do to allow them to participate in the service? Are there needs we can meet? Here are a few practical suggestions:

1. Pray and ask God to show you what to do and who to help. This is first and foremost.
2. Take a meal to them. If possible (check with them first), take the time to eat with them, cleaning up afterwards. (Be sure to check food allergies.) Or see if they are able to come to your home to share a meal. Sharing a meal is something special.
3. Schedule time regularly to reach out to them, allowing time to simply listen. Also, share with them what is happening in your life. It is good for them to be able to come alongside you as well. This Christian walk is on a two-way street.
4. See how you can help in a practical manner. Is there spring housecleaning or yard work to be done? Do they need things from the store? My family that lives close will message me when they are going to a store that does not offer curbside or delivery to see if I need anything. This is a tremendous help.
5. Send them cards. It is great to know someone cared enough to send a good old-fashioned card. Even the younger people enjoy mail!
6. Find out how they can get out of the house and schedule an activity. For instance, friends and family have taken me to see Christmas lights both around the neighborhood and a distance away to a special display. They took the time to make sure all health needs would be met on the outing.
7. Pray with them. If possible, do a Bible study together. At least for me, one of the hardest aspects of the health challenges have been missing out on the community, accountability, and closeness found in a Bible study.
8. Listen for needs you can meet. It is hard for us to ask for help. Listen for big and little needs. With medical expenses, money is always tight. There will be things they need.
9. Ask what you can do to help... not just once, but checking in periodically. 
10. Include them in holidays and family traditions.
11. Allow them to contribute whatever they can. Give them purpose. How, you say? If there is something they can do for the church from their home, include them. Share prayer requests with them regularly and updates to the needs or answered prayers. Let them know of others who may be lonely and in need. They need to serve in whatever way they can.
12. Make your church service as accommodating as possible for the handicapped, chronically ill, and caregivers. While livestream does not take the place of church, it is a tremendous help. Make the church as accessible as possible.
13. Allow for Bible studies to be attended virtually with the opportunity for two-way communication.
14. Give the caregivers a break if at all possible by providing gift cards and a night out. They would appreciate meals, housecleaning, etc. to lighten their load. The daily needs can be overwhelming. 
15. Schedule fun times for the siblings of the handicapped children. They are walking a difficult road. 
16. Be there. Be available.

And... what about those of us who are isolated and shut in? What can we do? I am reminded of the feeding of the five thousand where the boy gave his lunch, just five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21) or the widow who gave her two mites. (Mark 12:41-44) Little is much when God is in it. From our homes, we can 

1. pray about what God would have you do and for a ministry. 
2. reach out via text, phone, email, or mail to both other shut ins, missionaries, and our churches. 
3. pray with them and for them.
4. pray for our nation, for missionaries.
5. remember that those who are able-bodied also carry heavy burdens and come alongside as brothers and sisters in Christ.
6. remember that God is our ultimate provider and sufficiency. (Psalm 17:15) We must not depend on others to meet our needs.

We are a family, the body of Christ. Let us not forget those who are afflicted. God needs us. We are brought to this time for such a time as this. (Esther 4:14)

So... yesterday, I truly enjoyed my freedom. Yet that freedom reminded me of the many who do not have the opportunity. I do not want to forget the others who still are bound by disability and isolation (no matter the cause). May we use whatever is in our hand for God's service! (Exodus 4:2) Please remember these precious saints.