Rhemalogy

While listening to morning worship I was straightening my husband’s tee-shirt shelves. And while committing this task for Bobbie, got the unction to post this subject.

I’ve always thought of the tee shirts we wear as a form of outward expression. We don’t have to say anything. Just wear them and they speak for themselves. A form of self-advertisement and some tee shirts I’ve seen have been a little hard to take. I suppose it is all in one’s perception.

However, some time ago, my husband Bobbie was diagnosed with Dementia and late-onset Alzheimer’s. As I was folding and reading his tee shirts, the memories of our lives began to flood my heart. I would like to share a few of them with you:

“Escape Your Limits” – Although Bob is not a highly educated man, he never believed in doing things like everyone else. If he had limitations in one area of his life he would find other things to do that would circumvent his feeling inadequate. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)

“Rajun Cajun Bar & Grill” – When we lived in Lake Park, Georgia, we fell on hard times and he took a job working as the kitchen help. Bob always thought the family was important. That is why he did all he could to keep some part of normality in the family amid such an abnormal world. He never was so prideful that he could not help. Not just his family, but anyone who needed it. “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)

“Master” – Bobbie always put God at the forefront of his life. When I first met him he was on his knees praying. And through the years we always prayed together as a source of strength, wisdom, and comfort in our lives and the lives of our children. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

“God Has Been So Good 2 Me!!” – That is one thing He always thought and believed. That was our mantra even when things weren’t going so well. And even now, on his good days, he still says that to me. “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (I Thessalonians 5:18)

“This Is What A Great Father Looks Like” – Our youngest daughter gave him this tee shirt one Father’s Day because that’s how she saw him and remembers him. He was always a source of answers and encouragement for her. Bob was so proud of that tee shirt that he wore it everywhere. Even when he painted. That’s why it looks so worn. Now he usually wears it around the house. “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)

“I Am the Future” – When I look at my husband his future aspects were a lot different then compared to now. In the U.S., an estimated 5.5 million people of all ages have Alzheimer’s disease. Of these, around 5.3 million are 65 and older and 200,000 are younger and have early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. About two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease are women. I pray these numbers will change. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

“It’s What’s Inside” – When I married Bobby he was an extremely handsome man. But, I did not marry him because he looked good. No, I married him because he looked to the LORD. “Bob looks nothing like his pictures now as the disease is progressing and he has become so frail…for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7)

Bobbie still wears these tee shirts, and even though he can no longer relate to them, others that see him can.

What do your tee shirts say about you? Do they convey any positive messages?

*Statistics from Alzheimer’s News Today.

May the Blessings of the LORD be with you today and always. Thank you for your continued readership and support. Until next week….Blessings and Peace! 

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