Suffer from memory loss????

Remembering events and people from our past is very important. Events and people from our past are the very fiber of our personal history, and contain threads of character building DNA that have formed us into the people that we are. At the annual Murray reunion, we release balloons in memory of the family members that have passed away that year. This tradition is both moving and tearful. As the balloons rise in ascent from the earth, my mind gravitates to ways that each honoree, impacted my life. The fact is that if we did not have this ceremony, those memories would be pushed back in lieu of the festivities and food. So I am glad that as a family, we are intentional in remembering those who have gone before.


I remember the first time that my Dad told me that he loved me. I hold that memory dear, because he was not a man who said “I love you.” I knew he loved me, without him saying a word, by the way he cared for our family. He was stability, strength, and protection. He loved the Lord and made sure he passed that heritage to my brother and I. My first memory of his declaration of love for me was in 9th grade. He and my mom had taken a job in Colorado and I would not see them for 6 months. He did not pass his sentiments on through my mom as in time past. He came into the living room wrapped his big arms around me and with tears in his eyes said “I love you Melanie, you be good and we will see you in a few months.” I have not thought of this in years, and as I sit here through teary eyes, I am thankful for the memory.


Luke 22:19
19 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”


It is important for us not to have memory loss where Jesus is concerned. You see no one took Jesus' life, He laid it down in a supreme declaration of love. And He wants us to remember that declaration. In the act of communion we are given the opportunity to remember, rejoice, repent, and be reconciled.

I Corinthians 11:23-29

• Remember what Jesus did for you. (vs 23-25)
• Rejoice that Jesus died for you, and that He will return because he did not stay dead. (vs 26)
  
• Repent of any unconfessed sin. (vs 27-28)
  
• Reconcile yourself to God. (vs 29)

Communion should not become, just another rote “religious” ceremony. It is a very beautiful opportunity to remember Jesus' loving sacrifice. We take communion at our church monthly, but communion takes on a deeper meaning when taken in our home. Just me and God, reflecting on His word with the physical elements of juice and crackers, reminding me of the first time Jesus said “I love you Melanie, be good, and I'll see you soon.....as I sit here through teary eyes, I am thankful for the memory.