Monday, January 19, 2009

MAY THE WORDS OF MY MOUTH . . . .

Tomorrow morning at the ungodly hour of 7:30am, I will show up at the state capitol building to testify on financial exploitation of the elderly. Don't be impressed - I have exactly one minute to state my case. The proposed legislation stiffens penalties on the bottom-feeders who prey on lonely elders.

I have worked as a geriatric care manager for several years. This gave me a front-row seat to the evil used to relieve elders of their hard-earned dollars. Victims are invariably sufferers of the three plagues most common in elderhood: loneliness, hopelessness and boredom. Enter Satan's mignons with promises of companionship and excitement. Exit sound judgement on the part of the elder, followed closely by money the victim needs to live on but willingly gives up.

Paul warned that in the last days, people would be lovers of themselves and lovers of money (2 Timothy 3:2). Sound familiar? One glance at today's headlines should be proof enough that things are getting worse, not better. But we are not called to sit by and wring our hands as the world deteriorates. Today, I ask you to pray that our attempts to speak the truth will be met with softened hearts and willing action.

May you feel His grace today,
Gail W.
Photo credit: Jenny Andre

The last Word:
Find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them . . . for everything exposed by the light becomes visible . . . . Be very careful, then how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5: 10-215, NIV.

7 comments:

Denise said...

God bless your loving, and very caring heart my friend. I applaude your efforts. I love you.

Liz said...

Prayers for you as you speak for those who can't!

Amrita said...

Oh my soul Gail, according to our time you must be there right now.
Take care.

Crown of Beauty said...

I am sure your talk went well, and that God gave you the right words to say in behalf of these "helpless and hopeless" people. Praise God for people like you who will not just sit by and watch. Thank you for going out of your way.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Gail:
Reading this from the backside of your testifying. Would love to have an update. Gail, my heart is with the elderly. I worked in a nursing home for a season...best job I ever had. You're right...they are easily exploited and rarely considered once their resources have dwindled down to nothing.

Thank you for being an advocate for them. It won't be long, and we'll all be standing in their shoes. I pray and hope that someone will stand in my stead when I need it.

peace~elaine

Sita said...

Gail,
You remind me of a friend I have, always working in the background to help out the elderly in her neighbourhood and in our church. As I get nearer to 'that age', I realize how great a gift you and Bea are giving...I think of Saija's post today and I think that you have that sweet aroma of Jesus..that's why I love to come here..that's why when I see your name on a comment, my 'heart' warms..thank u, Gail, for your service to the Lord...
Sita

Corner Gardener Sue said...

Hi Gail,
I am interested in knowing how your testifying went as well. Did you get to hear others testify? What an experience that must have been!