A Friend with PD

[PDbyGrace]

I have friend who has Parkinson’s Disease. As a matter of fact, I have several friends who have Parkinson’s. I have Parkinson’s. When I came into the gym yesterday for Rock Steady, this particular friend was standing in front of a set of bleachers, rocking forward and backward erratically. His movements always shows signs of Parkinson’s, but something was different this time. When I got to him, he explained that he had just taken his medication and was not yet feeling its effects. He was experiencing an aspect of PD called “freezing.” This is when you want your muscles to do something, like take a step or reach for something, and your body just won’t respond. He was trying to get his cell phone out of his pocket and it just wasn’t happening. He accepted my offer to help, so I reached my hand into his back pocket and got his phone. Normally, reaching into another man’s back pocket would be considered a violation of his personal space and I would not do it. But he needed help, I could identify with the need and my meds were working at the time. At that moment he needed to be humble and vulnerable and I needed to be humble and available.

I have a friend who struggles with sin. As a matter of fact, all my friends struggle with sin. I struggle with sin. It is very common for Christians to get stuck in sinful behaviors, responses and thought patterns. As much as they would like to get to unstuck on their own, people need to give permission to a caring friend to invade “personal space” and the friend needs to enter that “personal space” with care.

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (James

5:16 ESV)

‘you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1 ESV)

I’m sorry if this is a little preachy. I wrote it for my congregation a few years ago. I hope one of you may be encouraged.

[Bolt_Upright]

Thank you for sharing that message.

[Gioc]

Thank PDbyGrace, "… people need to give permission to a caring friend to invade" personal space "and the friend needs to enter that" personal space "with care."…”

Which, in my opinion, that is to say with responsibility, i.e. with the will and ability to do what is good for friend.

[richardo123]

I identify with the freezing and humility with it every day now. Thanks for helping him .

[Despe]

May God bless you and be with you in this difficult journey. No one without sins, Father.