Remembrance

...now browsing by tag

 
Bible/Scripture Choices Christian Living Christmas Church Death Doctrine Faith/Feelings Forgiveness Friendship Generosity God God's Plan God's Word Grace Humility Jesus Kindness Leadership Lifestyle Love Mercy Ministry Miscellaneous Opinion Parenting Perseverance Prayer Questions Quiet Time Reflection Resurrection Salvation Scripture look Second Coming Seeking Sin Speech Story Suffering Surrender Thanksgiving Trials Truth Telling Worship
 

August 15

Thursday, August 15th, 2024

Knee Replacement Day.

We have special days we remember:

  • Valentine’s Day- Remember Love
  • Easter- Remember the Resurrection
  • Memorial Day- Remember the Fallen
  • June 16, 1973- Remember Wedding Day (better not for forget that one!)
  • Independence Day- Remember Freedom
  • Labor Day- Remember Work
  • October 9, 1952- Greatest Day (birthday) 🙂  (I’m a legend in my own mind)
  • Veteran’s Day- Remember Veterans
  • Thanksgiving Day- Remember Gratitude
  • Christmas Day- Remember Jesus’ Birth

And now a new one for me to remember: November 11th-Knee Replacement Day

After years of running and jumping playing baseball and basketball (and believing I could still jump and play like I used to); after soon-to-be 72 years of a bowed right leg getting worse as I aged; after meniscus surgery at age 61; after arthritis in that same knee; after 4 injections (3 steroid and one hyaluronic acid) with the last steroid barely lasting weeks; after days and night of discomfort; after times of painful walking and feeling like it was going to was going to give out and put me on my face…it’s time.

I know it’s necessary, but after visiting the PA yesterday for a preliminary exam and talking, it will be no walk in the park (pun intended).

Interesting, isn’t it, how we remember days? Day of infamy. Days of celebration. Day of intense joy. Days of deep sorrow. God has given us an incredible ability to remember, to learn, to grow from every experience. Don’t waste a moment. Don’t waste an experience. Learn. Grow. Psalm 29:1 says, “Honor the Lord, you heavenly beings; honor the Lord for His glory and strength. Honor the Lord for the glory of His name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness.” (NLT)

Celebrate special moments. But in those special moments, honor Him.

Posted in InTheShadow | 12 Responses »
Tags: , , , , , , ,

September 12

Tuesday, September 12th, 2023

A further recollection of 9/11…only this one comes later…one year later.

I was still the pastor of a church in Sandusky, OH. As 9/11 approached, I knew the memory was still very real. I had befriended several other pastors and met with them on a monthly basis for laughter and mutual encouragement and prayer. I lived in a small town outside of Sandusky and had become acquainted with a law enforcement officer or two (not from disobeying the law). 🙂 Some of the other pastors had communication with LEOs and firefighters. So we decided to have a memorial service, which included some singing, short recollections, and honoring the men and women in attendance who were, what are now called “front line workers.” Standing on the stage with me were pastors of various churches, various colors, various races, and various nationalities. There was no distinction based on race, color, or creed.

There is a reason for that. When tragedy or hardship strikes, it knows no boundaries. It doesn’t say, “I’m just going to bother white people this time.” As a matter of fact, did AIDS just visit one class of people? COVID? Does discrimination? The answer, of course, is a big resounding NO.

We used a school auditorium for that one year anniversary of 9/11. It was packed! Year #2 not so. Much of the cooperation was also gone. Not because of animosity, but because life moves on. It happens. The pastors still met for prayer, laughter and mutual encouragement. But, in some way, the collective remembrance stopped. For me, 9/11 always brings a time of silence, of gratitude for others, and a renewed sense of living in a flawed, but still-the-best-country to live in.

I still sing “God Bless America” when I hear it (mostly under my breath because my singing acumen has much to be desired). 🙂 🙂 But I pray more that America will bless God, that we will repent and return to the ONE who controls all things and heal our land.

Posted in InTheShadow | 12 Responses »
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

September 11

Monday, September 11th, 2023

September 11.

‘Nuff said.

I was sitting in my recliner for a few minutes before heading out for a ride yesterday when I turned to my wife and said, “Do you realize tomorrow is 9/11?”

9/11. Oh…the memories. 22 years ago and it seems in some ways like it was just yesterday when the world of the USA was turned upside down. I can still remember where I was and what I was doing when I got the news. (And I am willing to wager you do also). Two other men and I had made a short drive from Sandusky, OH to Massillon, OH for a one-day finance seminar for churches. It was live streamed (before that was even a big hit). We hadn’t head anything about the attacks since the radio was off as I drove and we talked. We were stunned when we arrived; the seminar was delayed; and we heard the news. Although, admittedly, I had no knowledge of the Twin Towers (finances and building were not my thing), I sat in stunned disbelief and silence as the TV replayed the events of the morning. Then the reports of a downed plane in a Pennsylvania cornfield and a plane hitting the Pentagon made us all realize we were the victim of a terrorist attack. (Gone, for sure and maybe forever) was our sense of security and our manner of doing things, especially travel. The next few days were a blur as I sat in front of the TV in the evenings hoping for recovery of bodies. A changed sermon for that upcoming Sunday.

But there are some other thoughts:

  • Party politics took a back seat as our lawmakers sang “God Bless America” as one (How different 19 years later during the summer of 2020).
  • People cared about people. Stories of heroism emerged out of the rubble of downed building and a downed airplane in a field. Police, firefighters, and others were heroes for selfless acts (Again, how times had changed in 2020).
  • 33 year old Todd Beamer, a husband to Lisa, a father of one, and a Christ-follower whose words “Let’s Roll” became synonymous with heroism and unselfishness.
  • Heartbreaking stories of loss emerged. So did tributes. Tunnels to Towers, an organization committed to building debt-free homes for disabled vets, emerged as a tribute to a firefighter brother who died at the Twin Towers doing what he was supposed to do.

Lots of memories. Memories we must not forget. Stay tuned tomorrow for more reflections. Until then…“Never forget.”

Those two words are making havoc in my brain this morning.

Posted in InTheShadow | 10 Responses »
Tags: , , , , , ,