How would you like to be a human rights defender?

What does this mean?

Where do you work?

And what could you expect?

These answers are challenging.

A human rights defender fights to protect people’s rights.

He or she promotes the welfare of citizens.

Their work is local, national, and international.

They are the defenders of  diverse cases.

These range from employment issues, health care, life’s problems,

Food, water, executions, torture, indigenous, and women’s issues

These individuals fight for rights for all.

Problems are everywhere in our world.

They exist in democratic and non-democratic nations.

Challenges vary from HIV/AIDS, the coronavirus, migration,

Structural adjustment policies, and political upheavals

Defenders monitor regional and worldwide conditions.

They collect and disseminate information,

And work to bring reports to key political and judicial officials.

These organizations publish reports about their findings.

And they ensure accountability with respect of legal standards.

“Loving God, help the human rights defenders to work in the interests of their countries.  By doing so, give them wisdom, and the will to be effective change agents in their communities.”

Amen  

What does it mean to age wisely?

Have you been preparing yourself?

You better grab the steering wheel

Because sooner or later you’ll be older

Aging well is about people’s attitude.

You could be a couch potato or active.

But, being active is beneficial.

It helps keep one’s mind sharp.

Having confidence brings joy.

So, it’s imperative to love what you do.

People could participate in a variety of sports.

Others might spend their time exercising, dancing,

Learning a new language, going to a coffee hour,

Or, playing music, games, and doing crossword puzzles

As people age they often face challenges.

Some suffer from arthritis, lung disease,

Cancer, heart problems, memory loss,

Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or Osteoporosis

But with medical care and medication

Seniors are able to control these setbacks  

“Almighty God, help people as they age to have productive lives.  Be with them as they explore about new ways to socialize and keep active.”

Amen  

What it’s like to have a cup of coffee?

What does a coffee hour mean to seniors?

And where do they gather?

Seniors meet around the country

At their favorite coffee shops

You could find them any morning

At McDonald’s, Hardee’s, or Wendy’s

At these joints they assemble

To socialize with their friends

Many of these older folks

Talk about their families and friends

At times they discuss politics

And in their group are liberals and conservatives

As expected the exchanges often become heated

Other folks that aren’t political

Take pains to discuss their hobbies

And their love of America is displayed

As they dress casual as retirees

Some wear distinctive clothes

Reminiscent of years of service

In the American military

While others don the garb,

Caps, jerseys, and pullovers

Of their alma mater

“Loving God, be with seniors as they socialize in coffee shops around the country.  Help them to find companionship as they share their experiences about life to their group.”

Amen 

Seniors could do much to prevent falls

They could update their home to be senior-friendly

And purchase a medical alert system

That saves lives if they fall accidentally

All they have to do is to push a button

To summon access for emergency care

Seniors could install lighting that’s motion activated

Such light will brighten their path as they walk

Motion light could also deter intruders from their home

If stairs are a problem the elderly could install a ramp

But they should make sure that the railings are secured

They must be certain the home has a fire extinguisher

As well as a smoke and carbon monoxide detector

And refurbish the kitchen so that shelves are accessible

They could cover corners with sharp edges to prevent injuries

And update the bathroom to be rid of slippery showers

Seniors could install safety devices for using the toilet

Making sure that in the bathroom there’s non-slip rugs

And using a shower chair to helps them take a bath

They could adjust their home’s hot water setting to avoid scalding

And clear clutter like books and magazines on their floor of the home

So as to reduce the probability of tripping hazards

“God, help the elderly as they senior-proof their homes.  Let them do so with the confidence that they will be protecting themselves from falls and having emergencies.”

Amen