I remember back when the lifeline commercials first appeared on TV showing an elderly person on the floor or ground saying, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up”. I never realized how serious that can be until it happened to me twice this week. My arthritic knees both suddenly gave and I couldn’t support my full body weight on the walker for more than a few seconds before I dropped to the floor. It took two paramedics to lift me back to my feet and thank God by then my knees held until I could sit down. Since I had no injuries except strained arm muscles there was no reason to take me to the hospital.
As always I had prayed for the Lord to walk with me and help me make it to where I was walking. When my knees gave I cried out to the Lord for help. Lying on the floor I asked, “Where are you Lord? Why did you let this happen to me?” My questioning soon turned to praising Him that I was not injured. Then I asked Him for guidance to get help. I have a lifeline pendant and usually carry my cell phone everywhere.
I’m writing this to let you know that Christians, whether old and weak or young and strong, all face unexpected setbacks in life. When it happens, we naturally ask if God is still there. Of course He is, His Spirit dwells within us. Then we ask Him why, which we may not know the answer on this side of heaven’s gate. What we can be sure of is that He will somehow use it for good.
If you or someone you know is old or has physical limitations, I highly recommend a lifeline pendant. Mine operates through ADT and is furnished by Catholic Charities. It only works in my home, but I’m always with someone when I’m away from home.