Just A New Memory

Sometime last year I was watching a report showing a community devastated by a tornado that had ripped through the area. The reporter was highlighting one house in particular that had been destroyed. The reporter stood in the street with what remained of the house, now unrecognizable, behind him. He was interviewing a gentleman who had a modest smile on his face. Despite the situation, he assured the reporter his sons will carry on the family legacy. This was just a new memory.

I found his perspective to be remarkable. In the midst of complete loss, this man was able to look towards the future and trust the process of family. How often do we look to the past and allow it to blur our future? 

I spent many years only able to focus on the past. Past:

·      Mistakes

·      Failures

·      Missed opportunities

·      Unhealthy relationships

·      Lukewarm faith

I was unable to trust the process of forgiveness. First and foremost, I was unable to forgive myself. Accepting the gift from God as laid out in the following verses eluded me:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”Ephesians 2:8–9

But God made a way. He provided me with wise and humble Christians who were willing to hear my report of devastation. They were then able to guide me to a view of God’s love, grace and forgiveness which allowed me accept that God had a future planned for me. I believe God “pushed” me to seek the support of others. In doing so, I was finally able to see my worth in God’s eyes and become part of God’s family legacy.

The tornado destroyed house was likely leveled and rebuilt, replaced by a new home. The crumbled structure that remained after the tornado is now a distant memory. In the same way, my list of the past memories have been rebuilt and I now know I have been forgiven by the grace God. More than that, I have been made new!

In the second letter written to the Corinthians, Paul must have known they needed to hear these words. I know these words speak to my heart and head: 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Still looking at the devastation of your past and longing to be this new creation of which Paul is speaking? You too may need to seek out a wise Christian friend, pastor or counselor and lay out your devastation. This then can lead you to the forgiveness and grace God intended for you allowing you to rebuild and make a new memory. 

JW