And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)
As a nursing professor who teaches gerontology care of older adults, I am always intrigued by articles that support caring for patients with dementia. These vulnerable adults can be caught up in their own world filled with fear and paranoia, especially when they are surrounded by people they don’t know. This can be very troublesome for caregivers or nurses who are trying to provide for their basic needs like nutrition and cleaning. A few years back I found a study about how the simple act of a kind facial expression can alleviate fear and calm someone with dementia. The person sees the calm expression and bright smile and there fear is changed to trust and calmness. The same is said for contrast. When the caregivers are rushed or frustrated, the person with dementia sees their face and feels threatened and fearful.
I think the same can be said of anyone. Our facial expressions speaks loudly to others without us moving our lips. A big smile says joy and love. A hopeful expression communicates trust and security. A simple nod shows respect and honor to others. The greatest thing about our facial expressions is there no need for a language interpreter, for it is universal.
Take some time and reflect on your facial expressions. Does your face communicate the love and joy you have in Christ? Is your calmness and joy spilling over into your smile? Does your expression change when you work with patients, colleagues, or even family members? Keep in mind no one can illuminate joy all the time. Yet, we can become more cognizant of whether our expressions are congruent with our heart and spirit.
p.s. You can find more information on communicating with people with dementia on the Alzheimer’s websites around the world.
kindness
NCFI Cares: Be Kindness
The Lord has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you. But to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8).
Scripture teaches to “put on kindness” like a garment to wear (Colossians 5:12); yet we can change our garment of kindness into selfishness and pride pretty quickly. We also learn that the Holy Spirit working within us brings out the fruit of kindness (Galatians 5:22); yet sometimes our fruit is less sincere and under-ripe. Throughout scripture we see how the kindness of God is demonstrated and extended kindness to others.
Here, in Micah we are instructed that we are to “love kindness” or “mercy” in the KJV. The Hebrew word checed is translated to mercy, goodness, faithfulness and frequently used to describe God as lovingkindness. Notice how Moses, the writer of Exodus, described the LORD’s presence and proclamation.
Then the LORD passed by in front of Moses and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness (checed) and truth; who keeps lovingkindness (checed)” (Exodus 34:6)
In other words, checed is an attribute or character of God’s presence. Thus, kindness is our presence, our personality, and the essence of our spirit Checed is not based on a mood, emotion, action or attitude. Instead it should be so greatly ingrained within us that spills out continuously onto others.
Carrie Dameron 