About the same time, and still on this social network, a friend was posting comments that were so out of character for him that we were left wondering "what is he thinking" and more importantly, "is that how he wants to be remembered?" And as I looked at some other posts, I saw a common thread to each person. One is always posting crude jokes and remarks; one is always angry; yet another is filled with the joy of the Lord. I wondered if they stopped to think about their "last post" before they died, what would people remember about them, and would they even care?
This brought me to thinking of how we remember people, after they have passed or just from our past! I looked at my own "wall" and saw my last posts about my new "reds" (Converse sneakers), a post about my dog's seizures, and a daily Scripture verse. Photos of pets and family, etc. That about summed me up part and parcel! Boring to some, maybe.... There is another social network where interests are "pinned" on a virtual board. It can be a place of self-discovery and where memories are resurrected, where other people can share the same interest(s) and maybe even discover something about who you are!
So how do we remember people? When someone says "Ronald Reagan", do you think "actor" or do you think "president?" More recent, Whitney Houston. Is she being remembered as the "superstar with a perfect voice" or the "junkie who overdosed"?
In the movie Casablanca, Sam the piano man, sang the lyrics, "...you must remember this..." and "as time goes by..." It's funny how certain things can bring on certain memories...a song, a photo, a fragrance, etc. Our memories can also play tricks on us and as "time goes by" our memory can fade or become distorted. A classic example is when families get together and everyone remembers a certain event but yet, everyone has a different memory of what happened!
As is my custom in these blogs, I turn to Life's Instruction Manual and wonder what the Bible has to say about remembering. I was amazed to find that the word "remember" or variations thereof, is mentioned 210 times in the Bible! Poor Noah is floating around the vast waters that covered the earth and "then God remembered Noah..." (Genesis 8:1). Good thing for Noah! Amen? But then God creates the rainbow so that HE would remember His covenant with Noah and every living creature (Genesis 8:13-17) As if God needs a reminder for anything! Fast forward to the New Testament where Jesus says that "..I will be merciful to their unrighteousness and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." (Hebrews 8:12) (Thank you Lord)!
As I was reading through these many verses I asked myself "how did Jesus want to be remembered?" There are numerous "memorable" events in the Bible, but the number one verse that came to mind is at the Last Supper when Jesus said, "Do this in remembrance of Me." (Luke 19-20). What greater way to remember someone than one who died for you?
And so I ask, how do you want to be remembered? As the "crazy cat lady" or the woman who loved animals? As the "senile old man who gave his money away to strangers" or the philanthropist and good steward of his fortune? As the "crazy Jesus freak at the airport" or a man or woman after God's own heart?
I end with one thought to you. Make a conscience effort to live your life in such a manner as if this moment is the last moment remembered! More importantly, live your life as is pleasing to the Lord for He is your next destination waiting to say "...well done, my good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21)
