Mary Manz Simon, ALOA Board of Directors
Is there reason to be feeling uplifted during this crisis?
Absolutely!
Not only is God active, He’s busy! Each of us can list numerous ways we’ve seen God at work among us.
I’m encouraged by the recently released 2020 Passion Points Study. Although neither older adults nor Christian teaching is the focus of this annual research, a single line in this year’s study jumped out: “One result of the pandemic is an increasing desire to celebrate and preserve family traditions.”
Perhaps COVID-19 has made even those in younger generations more aware of mortality. But whatever the reason, the study indicated that legacy thinking is heading downward. The emotional wiring of younger generations is changing.
Can you catch a glimpse of the opportunity? Family members might be longing to hear about the good old days, and this time, they’ll listen! During these uncertain times, we can be inspired to learn how ancestors coped with a disaster, problem or personal tragedy.
As older adults, we’ve lived through tough issues. However, we are living proof the family survived. Hope and optimism are bundled into every family legacy.
Scientists tell us that emotion enhances memory and feelings activate the brain. Even if your memory is foggy, reach back to remember a situation or incident when you felt something. Then share that story. Resilience and the certainty of God’s promises will shine as your empathy connects and communicates.
And that’s critical, because your story reflects how God’s story is being revealed even during this crisis.
Which important relationships can you strengthen during this unexpected season?
Take a look at previous posts for more inspiration for older adult ministry.