Fourth of July weekend is approaching. Where will you be this Sunday morning?
While many of us have appropriate plans in place this weekend to celebrate our nation’s independence with picnics, barbeques, ice cream, and fireworks, one of the most fitting ways to celebrate is to exercise our freedom to worship.
Our Baptists ancestors were among the many who contended for religious liberty for all faiths. The first amendment to the Constitution of the United States confirms that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
As citizens of these United States, we enjoy greater freedoms than any nation on earth, but with great freedom comes great responsibility.
In light of our religious liberty, let us pray fervently for those who live in regions of the world that are subject to harsh religious persecution. As we freely choose where and when to worship, let us remember our brothers and sisters who will gather anxiously but faithfully in underground churches, taking risks unfamiliar to most of us, in order to worship God and gather with their fellow believers.
From my perspective, joining regularly with other believers to worship nurtures spiritual growth, fosters moral character, and encourages humanitarian service. Hebrews 10:25 reminds us, “Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord's coming is getting closer.” (CEV)
For believers to neglect the opportunity to gather for worship and Bible study is to trivialize the tremendous price paid for our freedom to assemble without fear of reprisal or repercussion. Perhaps the worst expression of historical amnesia is the tendency to take freedom for granted.
I think we best celebrate and preserve our freedom by exercising our freedom. This weekend is a time to celebrate our many freedoms. Whether you are at home or traveling, I hope you are making plans for a fun day of celebration with family and friends. I hope you will take time to give thanks for our great heritage and to pray for our nation’s leaders and country’s future. Most importantly, I hope you will celebrate by exercising your freedom to worship.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Monday, June 06, 2011
Be Informed About Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is difficult to diagnose and the number of people who are afflicted is growing. Each year I talk with multiple families in our community who are affected by Alzheimer’s.
A few years ago, it struck home for my family when my grandmother was diagnosed with the disease. The symptoms were there long before the diagnosis was confirmed. We wrongly assumed that the symptoms were merely normal signs of aging, or the acceleration of basic dementia.
Staying informed with accurate and up-to-date information is important. Families who are well-informed about Alzheimer’s are better prepared to recognize and respond to someone who is experiencing the disease.
Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain, is the most common form of dementia. In 1906 Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German physician, first called attention to this condition.
The Alzheimer’s Association offers the following statistical data on the disease:
• Approximately 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease.
• Unless a cure or prevention is found, that number will increase to between 11 and 16 million by 2050.
• One in 10 persons over age 65, and nearly half of those over 85 have Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease can occur in people in their 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s.
• A person with Alzheimer’s disease will live an average of 80 years, and as many as 20 years or more from the onset of symptoms.
• Depression is found in 20 percent of persons with Alzheimer’s disease, and in up to 50 percent of Alzheimer caregivers.
Although there is no single test to identify Alzheimer’s, a probable diagnosis may be made after a comprehensive evaluation that includes a complete health history, a physical and neurological examination, and a mental status assessment, as well as observation of symptoms and behavior.
At the present time, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Progress of the disease cannot be stopped or reversed. However, intervention strategies and appropriate medication may be effective in lessening symptoms, and hopefully allowing for continued participation in many activities.
A person with Alzheimer’s disease may not be identified based on appearance alone. Persons with Alzheimer’s may maintain their social skills or behave normally in familiar settings. Many individuals with Alzheimer’s are conversant, articulate, and physically fit. Some may even hide or deny their symptoms. Symptoms and behaviors vary because the disease progresses at different rates in each individual.
Usually a person with Alzheimer’s disease displays some of the following symptoms:
• Poor or decreased judgement
• Frequent, short-term memory loss
• Difficulty performing familiar tasks
• Problems with language
• Disorientation as to time and place
• Problems with abstract thinking
• Problems misplacing things
• Wandering
• Sudden mood changes
• Loss of initiative
At some point, Alzheimer’s will affect every family and every congregation. Learn all that you can about the disease now, so that your response will be informed and caring. For more information, visit the web site of the Alzheimer’s Association at http://www.alz.org.
A few years ago, it struck home for my family when my grandmother was diagnosed with the disease. The symptoms were there long before the diagnosis was confirmed. We wrongly assumed that the symptoms were merely normal signs of aging, or the acceleration of basic dementia.
Staying informed with accurate and up-to-date information is important. Families who are well-informed about Alzheimer’s are better prepared to recognize and respond to someone who is experiencing the disease.
Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain, is the most common form of dementia. In 1906 Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German physician, first called attention to this condition.
The Alzheimer’s Association offers the following statistical data on the disease:
• Approximately 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease.
• Unless a cure or prevention is found, that number will increase to between 11 and 16 million by 2050.
• One in 10 persons over age 65, and nearly half of those over 85 have Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease can occur in people in their 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s.
• A person with Alzheimer’s disease will live an average of 80 years, and as many as 20 years or more from the onset of symptoms.
• Depression is found in 20 percent of persons with Alzheimer’s disease, and in up to 50 percent of Alzheimer caregivers.
Although there is no single test to identify Alzheimer’s, a probable diagnosis may be made after a comprehensive evaluation that includes a complete health history, a physical and neurological examination, and a mental status assessment, as well as observation of symptoms and behavior.
At the present time, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Progress of the disease cannot be stopped or reversed. However, intervention strategies and appropriate medication may be effective in lessening symptoms, and hopefully allowing for continued participation in many activities.
A person with Alzheimer’s disease may not be identified based on appearance alone. Persons with Alzheimer’s may maintain their social skills or behave normally in familiar settings. Many individuals with Alzheimer’s are conversant, articulate, and physically fit. Some may even hide or deny their symptoms. Symptoms and behaviors vary because the disease progresses at different rates in each individual.
Usually a person with Alzheimer’s disease displays some of the following symptoms:
• Poor or decreased judgement
• Frequent, short-term memory loss
• Difficulty performing familiar tasks
• Problems with language
• Disorientation as to time and place
• Problems with abstract thinking
• Problems misplacing things
• Wandering
• Sudden mood changes
• Loss of initiative
At some point, Alzheimer’s will affect every family and every congregation. Learn all that you can about the disease now, so that your response will be informed and caring. For more information, visit the web site of the Alzheimer’s Association at http://www.alz.org.
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