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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: SOUL / SOLE (03/02/23)
A Transforming Touch

Tom was diagnosed with ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease, which is a motor neuron disease, degenerative and incurable. He was fifty-eight years old, and could expect to live a few more years as he declined. Tom and his wife would need to make many decisions and solve some problems so he could live out his days at home.

As time went by and Tom’s condition deteriorated, three men from their church stepped up and made a commitment to be at his home every single evening. They provided compassion and care to him including bathing, helping with feeding, changing clothes, and praying with him. They were the sole caretakers of Tom and his wife (except when medical intervention was required) for the remaining years of his life.

It was a touching scene as the family, once a husband and wife, now a family of five, shared this season of life. Tom could no longer speak but communicated eloquently with his eyes, showing deep humility, appreciation, and maybe some amazement as he accepted what was offered. The “family” laughed, shared memories, and offered encouragement to each other.

No one knew how long this routine would last. Certainly, no one knew that this experience would alter souls. The physical care was secondary to the soul care the men gave as they poured their strength into the couple’s hearts. Tom’s soul was nurtured and kept alive with hope, the hope that came through his faith in Christ. The nurturing of his wife’s soul was equally significant as she shared the last days on earth with her husband.

Perhaps the greatest impact was on the souls of the men who made this enormous commitment. It was surprising to them to realize they received much more than they gave. They were the conduit of God’s compassion and love in a privileged way. God changed them forever as they experienced His touch on their souls.

Hearts were heavy, yet buoyed up to press on, and full of the Spirit of God. Each evening, after lifting Tom onto his bed, they quietly filed out of the house to the soft voice of his wife’s thank yous.

It is sometimes difficult to pinpoint that deep essence of ourselves, our souls. But when we touch someone’s soul, or our own is touched by the one true God of the universe, we know it. And we are never the same.

Reflection based on a true story
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This article has been read 293 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Cheryl Martin
03/09/23
This was so heartwarming and you showed God’s character in action. You presented the topic of soul in a uplifting and inspiring way. Thank you for sharing.
Jennifer Woodley 
03/09/23
Holding space for others who are dying is such a gift that does alter our own soul and you have shared this so very well. Thank you.
Jennifer Percell
03/10/23
The essence of Christ here. This reminds me of when my husband learned to perform home dialysis for a friend. It was a humbling experience and as you described here, very good for all souls involved.
Barbara Culler 
03/14/23
Several years ago, I worked as a social worker, and had a patient with ALS. He was much younger that your character, but his eyes expressed such joy in the Lord. I understand what you are saying.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
03/14/23
This is a lovely story. As someone with a chronic illness, I can relate in many ways. Touch is so important. You do a fine job of writing on topic too.
Bonnie Clarkson
03/14/23
Very touching story of what caring Christians can do and how to make a difference.
The only comment I have is about the first sentence. It is facts. I would like to have seen the sentence that starts with "As time goes by" be the first sentence. It draws the reader in to care about the main character.
Keep writing.