Definition..

When someone talks about infirmities, what comes to your mind? The more we consider or evaluate the definition there is a wide range of possibilities. A person’s perspective is skewed by their personal experiences or by those with whom they associate. Some may put them into at least three different categories – physical, mental or spiritual. The cause of such difficulties could also widely be categorized – inherited, natural, accidental, self inflicted or imposed. There could be many more, depending on an individuals understanding or perspective. If I started to list what possible things could be included on the list, every one of you would be able to add personal situations that should be considered. I have a copy of the Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, that isn’t so new; it’s more than thirty years old. I looked up the words infirm and infirmities. INFIRM: 1) of poor or deteriorated vitality; feeble from age. 2): week of mind, will, or character: IRRESOLUTE, VACILLATING. 3): Not solid or stable: INSECURE. INFIRMITY: 1) a: the quality or state of being infirm. b: the condition of being feeble: FRAILTY. 2) DISEASE, MALADY. 3): Personal failing: FOIBLE. As you can see all of the above generalizations are covered. When I first think of infirmities I seemingly gravitate to the physical difficulties that many are challenged with. But in my life I’ve had more challenges with the mental and spiritual categories. Though one category may be the root of the situation all three can be part of the overall result. An example of this is brought home with the birth of a child that is physically handicapped. None of us would question the possible mental anguish and worry that would accompany such an event, or some individual’s tendencies to question their faith or the existence of a caring God. The reactions to these circumstances or challenges are difficult to predict or understand unless you have walked in their shoes. But even then each situation is unique and personal to those that are involved. The way one person reacts in comparison to another is difficult to understand or to quantify. This is true even in the closest relationships, one individual seemingly is able to handle the situation while those closest to them may struggle bringing additional pressures to the relationship. I know a family that was dealing with the unexpected and tragic death of a child, they had many emotions and challenges to endure. For them these were accelerated as well meaning but uninformed individuals told them they understood what they were going through. How could they possibly understand what they were going through? All of us have and will continue to experience forms of trials, pains, difficulties that could be grouped into the definition of infirmities. These pains and heartaches give us experience and will help us to understand a portion of the sorrow that those around us are going through; this enables us to lend some of the support they so badly need. But we need to understand that their pain is unique and personal to their situation. With the exception of a few professionals, it’s not our place nor are we qualified to evaluate these situations individually. The wonderful news of the gospel is that there is someone that is qualified, that does in reality understand what each of us are going through and is able and willing to give us the direction and relief we seek. His infinite atonement covers all of the pain and sorrow any of us will be called to endure.