Divine Memory
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. ”
I love the following quote from Helen Keller, “What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” One of the many reasons why evangelism shouldn’t be a dirty word is because of the comfort it brings. My heart breaks when I perform a funeral, and it is obvious the family believes there is no future for their loved one or themselves. The joy of Helen Keller’s statement is that love is from God. When God is involved in our relationships, love is more profound, and God will become part of us.
God’s love is hope. When someone we love dies, for example, we tend to lose specific memories. I have a hard time remembering my grandmother’s voice, that helped raise my brother and me. When I pray, I sometimes recall memories or feelings that bring intense remembrances of my past with her. I believe it is a gift God provides when love for someone is deep within us.
When we lose a parent, spouse, child, or dear friend, we can feel lost and alone. The blessing God provides is the ability to love deeply, and that Divine love can become spiritually embedded within our hearts and souls. There is comfort in simply picturing my grandmother’s home and, all of a sudden, I can feel the roughness of the carpet in her home. I can smell the bread she baked in her oven and the warmth of her hugs. It all becomes so real. It is a blessing.
Today, ask God to renew your faith, but also the love for those who have influenced your life. As you do, watch the Spirit of the Living God bring moments of love and joy back to the forefront of your mind. God uses these moments to provide the hope necessary to face life’s adversity with Divine resilience. Ask God to bless you with these moments of deep love so we can give others the same opportunity.
