Friday, October 17

Sara Parkin of Midlands, Michigan, USA

Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God’s shalom, invites all people to come and receive divine peace in the midst of the difficult questions and struggles of life. Follow Christ in the way that leads to God’s peace and discover the blessings of all of the dimensions of salvation.

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:2a

When we got to the church I didn’t tell anyone I was not well. Instead I would say to the people, “Hi, how are you?” They would say, “I am OK,” or “Doing well.” They would ask me how I am again, and I said, “Doing all right.”

I lied.

I walked away and looked for a place to be alone as I started to cry. I found the sanctuary and sat on a step under the picture of Jesus and cried with him. Why am I crying? I want to be here. I want to go home. I needed to go home. I did not know why or how I was sick. I did not know why I was crying, and I just wanted to go home.

I was on my knees, asking God what was going on with me. Was it my Alzheimer’s disease playing with my brain? I was at the church for a class. I had all the books I needed for the class. I didn’t read them, could not understand so many words. When I wanted to talk I couldn’t get my brain to go faster to get words out of my mouth. It was easier to not talk, yet I wanted to share with the group.

Did I want to cry? Did I want to go home? NO! I want to be normal just like everyone else. On Monday, I stopped at the Alzheimer’s Association, and I talked to Laura. I shared with her what happened about my crying—told her I broke down. She called it a break out, meaning that you have been holding back, and it has to come out.

I need to stand up and to speak up for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. I am very happy when I am up and about. I feel really good doing things in my life, and I hope to help others when I can. Today I know that God is always with us. Yesterday, I did not know that. I might not know that again tomorrow. I thank God for my moments of presence.

Prayer for Peace Ever-present God, we search for peace, we search for shalom, and we find them embodied in Christ. Thank you for the gift of your Son.

Spiritual Practice: Shaping into Wholeness Hold (or imagine holding) a glass cup, bowl, or vase. Explore its shape, texture, and color. Let the container symbolize your life as it is being formed. Write on strips of paper (or in your journal) the aspects of your life that are not yet just and whole. Place the strips in the glass container and hold it in your hands. Pray a prayer of confession and petition, asking God to continue to breathe in and on you, shaping you into a just and compassionate person.

Peace Covenant Today, God, I will invite someone whose spirit might be down to share feelings with me. I will listen with patience and love.