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I once attended a pastoral care seminar for Alzheimer’s.

The presenters told us one of the worst things we can get involved with is judging the actions of the family members involved.  Too us who might not know the patient that well we could see them as a struggling nice elderly man or woman in need of compassion and care.  The presenter said–you give them that!  But, don’t judge the children or grandchildren.  The presenter proceeded to tell us why:

What if the person used to abuse their children and grandchildren (either through beating or sexually)?  How do you judge how someone should be treated in their later years by those whose early years were devestated because of them?  Nobody knows what kind of things went on behind closed doors–so never sit as a ‘pastor’ in judgment of others!

That has always stuck with me–I have tried my best to listen to those sound words of counsel.  It’s kind of ironic that the words came from someone who has no use for faith but works tirelessly to aleviate the sufferings of others  (both those with the disease and family members).

Today, my wife and I had to have a difficult meeting with her mom concerning some things that are happening because of her progression in Alzheimers.  Every time we go to one I can’t help but think how hard it must be for some people to be judged by others.  You try your best, the stress level can get so high and the last thing  you need is someone not as heavily involved having to pass judgment on your ‘efforts’.

I hope and pray that more of us can follow Jesus’ leading and ‘judge not, lest ye be judged’ (Matthew 7:1)

God Bless and Have a Good Day