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"The
most beautiful things are not associated with money; they are memories
and moments. If you don't celebrate those, they can pass you by." - Alek
Wek - Sudanese Model
I have a lot to say about MEMORIES this week. We
are grateful for your love and support in the passing of Sherman's
mother, Jewell Henderson. Folks near and far have shared
fond remembrances of her. As a minister, I've attended many home-going celebrations. I am encouraged that at these times we make an effort to highlight our best memories of our loved ones. We would do well to uphold that same practice with those we engage every day. MEMORIES are recollections from the past. It's
amazing what we remember...like the old hymns we sang to usher Ms.
Jewell into the presence of the Lord. I recall that several years ago in
the same location, another group of family members joined as a
beautiful choir doing the exact same thing for my friend Marcia Caulton.
Both women led lives that have left a positive legacy. Scripture says, "We have happy memories of the godly, but the name of a wicked person rots away." (Proverbs 10:7, NLT)
Many of us struggle with overcoming negative memories. Perhaps they're from past sins or regrets, or abuses and wrongs that have been perpetrated against us. I
am glad God's mercy doesn't give us what we deserve."For I will forgive their wickedness and I will remember their sins no more." (Hebrews 8:12)
The Lord's justice makes the right decisions for vindication,
restitution and restoration whether now in this life or in the one to
come. Christ commands us not to retain or hold on to unforgiving memories, but to forgive, remit or release the sins of others. (John 20:23) Even the guilty thief on the Cross was granted a pardon and paradise. He asked Jesus, "Remember me when You come into Your Kingdom." (Luke 23:42)
Our anxieties and wounds are often no longer about the incidents themselves, but how we remember, replay and retain them.
The LORD is a healer of broken memories. The Holy Spirit brings Jesus'
Words to our remembrance when we need them. (John 14:26) Christ
commands us to withhold judgment and condemnation, to forgive and expect
the same gift to be given to us pressed down, shaken together and
running over. (Luke 6:37-38) David memorized Scripture for holiness, "I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." (Psalm 119:11) We can heal by concentrating on things that are true, lovely, and of good report. (Phil. 4:4-9)
Memories can be very tricky. When I go home to visit my mother who is ailing, I experience the difficult loss of her memories. Though her spirit is
still very strong and she is definitely the person she's always been , her recollection of events and people toggles from clarity to a fog. It's a good idea to do all we can to hold our greatest memories in our hearts, in photos, videos, or journals. You never know what a day may hold. More than 20 years ago, I began to practice with my mom
and now with Sherman and Robert saying I love you at the end of
conversations. I also try to greet and leave them with a hug or a kiss
that says you mean the world to me. I want the last and most remembered words my mom and I speak to be, "I love you."
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