Prison

Several years ago I came across a little piece of paper that made its way into my recipe box, on one side was a recipe on the other a verse was printed...Hebrews 13:3 Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.

I tucked that piece of paper in my Bible -- I bet it has been there for three years or more -- and I have been wondering - what did this verse have to do with my life?

I didn't see visiting a prison in my near future, since there are really none in my area.

Who knew that God would have me visiting the nursing home every month... not that I see it as a prison. It is a lovely place, the residents seem happy and well cared for at this particular nursing home.

It is a fact that the freedom that they once enjoyed is no longer. They don't choose when they wake in the morning, what time they eat or when they go to bed at night. All of that is pre-determined by the daily schedule. They can't leave, go for a walk on their own or sneak a snack from the fridge.

When I met Holly last week I saw with my own eyes the worst kind of prison. This prison in which there is no escape. Suffering from Huntington's Disease, Holly is a woman trapped in a body that she has no control over. She has no ability to move and her ability to speak is slowly, painfully being taken away. Her mind is held prisoner within a convulsing body that never stops moving. And the worst of it is she has no hope of recovery.

This morning as I read my Bible I came across this little piece of paper yet again, today I finally understood what the Lord meant. He has led me to someone who is in prison... not the kind of prison that I was thinking of... one much worse.

I can only imagine the prison in which Holly lives. The long days that she endures... the physical exhaustion and pain... depression... loneliness.

What can I do for her, how can I ease her suffering? I can pray for her as I imagine myself in those chains... that God will bring comfort to her mind and spirit through out her long days. I can visit her, paint her nails, read to her, talk with her, make her smile and laugh and tell her about Jesus ... the one who saves, heals, extends grace and has love never ending... the one who waits for her in a place called Heaven, where there is so suffering or pain.

Lord make me Your light in this dark place.