“Please remember the real me when I cannot remember you.” Julie White
When I think of today’s prayer, I can’t help but think of my father. Many of you may have known him or have had an encounter with him at one point in time, but prior to my father passing in 2018, he suffered from Alzheimer’s for a couple years so at times the real him wasn’t him. As hard as it was, there were moments when the real him would appear and those moments were filled with love, laughter, and sometimes tears.
The thought of memories sometimes can be a gift and a curse. We have good memories and, unfortunately, we have bad memories. There are memories that bring us sadness, but even in those moments we can find blessings and opportunities to do good things. The great memories are always fun, especially the type of memories that make you laugh so hard your stomach starts to hurt. Those are the memories that are always worth having, and those memories give us the strength we need to endure the hard times.
One of the greatest gifts that God has given humanity is the beautiful gift of memory. In a sense, memory allows us to relive moments and images that are very special to us. Every day I carry the memory of my dad, from him teaching me to play sports, him whistling down the block when it was time to come home, taking me camping, praying with me, hugging me when I graduated from college, and the time my dad sang the Lord’s Prayer at my sister’s wedding. I can still hear his beautiful voice in that moment, and it helps me remember so much more. I take these images and memories with me everywhere I go, because I want to create the same memories for my daughter and my grandson.
When I see the image of the goose wearing an eagle mask, I can’t help but think of someone forgetting who they really are, or maybe they are hiding from being their true self. The beautiful thing about being connected to God and to our loved ones is that there will always be someone to remind us where we come from, and who we truly are.
We may wear a mask at some point in our lives but those who love us will help us remove it and see the right path clearly, no matter what stage of life we are in.
With each new day comes a chance to create more lasting memories with our family and friends. The times we share with one another are chances to look past any small differences we have as individuals toward the fact that we are part of a larger community of love. We must remind ourselves that each day we have on this earth is a blessing, so we shouldn’t spend time being negative, unhappy, or indifferent. Instead, let’s be grateful for everything that God has blessed us with.
Joey Ortiz is a life-long member of the La Sierra University Church, a father, uncle, brother, and friend who loves spending time with all of the above.
These reflections stand alone, but if you want to enjoy the prayers from May It Be So that they’re based on, please click here to request a copy of the book.