I’ve just finished this delightful book, The Unraveling of Reverend G, by fellow Heart of America Christian Writers Network author, RJ Thesman. (And fellow CrossRiver Media author. All disclaimers have now been given.) Thesman tackles the difficult question, “What happens to our relationship with God when dementia steals our minds?” And she does it with such spunk that I came away wanting to:

A.)become a lady preacher

B.)own a cat

C.)eat a big bowl of ice cream

D.)develop a relationship with God that will permeate my every reality.

Out of all the moments I loved in the book, though, this one remains in my mind. When Reverend G. starts looking for some way to serve in her current circumstances, she offers to simply go sit beside someone who is suffering. She calls it “The Ministry of Presence.” (Capitals are mine.)

I think this is brilliant. And helpful. And often the only thing we can actually offer that will be of any real value in a tough time. I plan to exercise it much more than I have in the past. Thank you, Reverend G., for reminding me what really matters when everything else in life is shaking. God, and people, and Presence.

(and, ice cream, of course.)