On my own, I’m not able to face the day. Several months ago, my sister sent a picture of my father which bore no resemblance to him. That photograph shook me at my core. Alzheimer’s has been taking him away little by little. What a horrible disease! It eats away at the brain until the eyes look empty into space.

I cannot face those blank stares without looking into the compassionate eyes of my Savior. They are watering just like mine. He hates this more than I do. He hates diseases like this that foretell a silent death. That’s why He came to defeat death once and for all.

Jesus is jealous for us, the Bible says. Since we are His bride, He doesn’t want any of us to belong to Satan, the eternal enemy of life and joy. The serpent is the one who planted in Eve’s heart the seeds of doubt and questioning of God’s goodness.

How many eyes have stared into the void because of sin that wrecked our perfect world?

I don’t own the world; I did not create it. I did not create my father; God did. He is invested in him. Not me. So, how much more is He hurt by the aimless stares from His image-bearer?

My only hope is that God will meet my father in the space he now resides and make him the offer of eternal life with Him. Then one day, I will get to have a conversation with my father again.

God bless you and your loved ones!

Meryem Kennedy