The fear of falling is only second to the fear of death for the elderly. Many falls result in breaking bones that are weak from the “wasting away” of the body; and some falls end in death. Last night Jerry fell, the third time since his amputation eight years ago.
The first time was after his healing. Standing at the edge of the garage I watched as he confidently wheeled out to check the mail. He did well until he started up the slight incline on the street. He did not have the strength to make it in the turn toward the mailbox. The wheelchair slid backward dumping him. At first I wanted to laugh, but didn’t have time as I ran down the driveway to help. How to help ~ I did not know. With my holding the wheelchair behind he gradually was able to pull himself up backward. By God’s grace we did not require any other help that time. That was the last time he checked the mail in his wheelchair.
A second time he forgot to lock his wheels when he stood up. It took close to an hour for him to get close enough to a chair for me to help him pull up. During these times he has his own idea of how to remedy the situation. There is a trauma when a person falls that we cannot understand. Disoriented in thinking there is also a problem accepting and following instructions.
Last night He had simply reached down to pick up something off the floor. He forgot to lock his wheels and he hit the floor when the wheelchair slid from under him. He is not as strong as he was when he fell the first time; and so after thirty minutes of trying to help him I called our daughter. It doesn’t matter that she is a physical therapist; any two people strong enough could have lifted him back into the wheelchair. She came with our son-in-law and got him situated.
How to Keep From Falling
Wheels are wonderful to get us where we need to go. A wheelchair has four wheels, two large ones and two small, enabling you to go forward, backward, and around as you direct the two large wheels on the side. But, unless you stay in the chair and control the wheels the chair rolls wherever ~ it seems to have a mind of its own.
Upon leaving this contraption you must lock your wheels to help keep you from falling. In the same perspective we see the concept of falling from the security that is ours in Christ. Following are some of the ways to lock our spiritual wheels.
“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:12
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14
“Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.” Proverbs 11:28
“Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.” Hebrews 3:12
“Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.” 2 Peter 1:10
“Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.” Proverbs 28:14
“Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” Isaiah 40:30
“The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.” Psalm 145:14
“For I will surely save you, and you shall not fall by the sword, but you shall have your life as a prize of war, because you have put your trust in me, declares the Lord.’” Jeremiah 39:18
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15
“Though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” Psalm 37:24
Jude 24-25
