Memoir, Memories, and Mercy by Alan Anderson

 

Our blog Moderator, Wendy MacDonald, wrote a magnificent message for our first post of 2024. Her thoughts on the genre of memoir moved this writer. More than this, her words became a motivation for me to attempt a focus on memoir writing alongside my poetry.

 

My first post for 2024 is an attempt at a memoir style message. I am open to suggestions from those more experienced in memoir writing.

  

Memories As Years Go By

 

A New Year causes me to look back on past years. Memories of all sorts come to me as a flood of bright jewels and as crushed gravel. You might relate to this. I pray God will continue to grant His grace to us as we journey 2024 together.

 

Types of Memory

I find the following points about memory useful.

 

Sensory memory: this is the earliest stage of your memory and often only stores information for a short period of time.

 

Short-term memory: this is anything you’re already thinking about. These memories are often forgotten quickly.

 

Long-term memory: also known as the “preconscious or unconscious mind,” long-term memory is information outside our immediate awareness but can be accessed when needed.

(Please see, https://www.webmd.com/brain/what-to-know-about-memories.)

 

Although I do not pretend to understand the science of memory, I know memories are indispensable to me. I mean, what would I write about without memories?

 

Memories Are Like Ink.

 

Like all of us, memories contribute to my life. Memories are the ink of what I write and the fuel of my writing energy. Whether I write poetry, short stories, or blog posts, the ink flows with memories.

  

These days, I am more cognizant of the value of short-term memory. If something significant happens or comes to mind. I write it down as soon as possible. I always sleep with a notebook by my bedside. Throughout the night, I often wake up with a thought going through my mind. I write it down before it floats off into never-never land.

 

Long-term memory is where a lot of my writing stems from. When I take the time and think through certain experiences from the past, the memory ink flows free. Even if years have passed since an experience happened, I can recall enough to bring the memory to life.

 

Memories of Mercy

 

I view my memories in two categories. I see them as “dark memories,” or “hold close memories.” They are all memories of God’s mercy.

 

Dark memories throw us to the ground, kick dirt in our faces, and crush our souls. They may cause us to walk through life as a ghost, a phantom unnoticed and unconcerned in the world. These memories, these dark episodes are not without meaning. By the mercy of God, support from those who love us, prayer, and one’s determination, dark memories need not claim our lives. If we do not run from them and take time to process them, we can break free from their bondage. This freedom can help us form our writer’s voice.

 

There are memories I hold close of loved ones, pets, and places dear to me. These memories are also reminders of God’s mercy and how He holds me close. Hold close memories form much of what I write. They let me know my life matters and has meaning.

 

When memories hold me close, the ink flows. Each letter, every sentence, every word, and paragraph, is part of a memory. My aim is to empathize with my readers to encourage them to know they are not alone, and they matter. Through the mercy of God, we can move forward even from dark times. God has shown and still shows mercy to me therefore, I show mercy to others. Without God’s mercy, my memories would be miserable.

 

My friends, hold close to your memories, for they flow from God’s mercy on you.

 

 

Alan lives in Deroche, B.C. with his wife, Terry, and their poodle, Charlie. He contributed stories to Good Grief People by Angel Hope Publishing, 2017; Story by Story: The Power of a Writer, Unstoppable Writers Publishing, 2018; Easter Stories & More by InScribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship, 2021. He is currently working on a book expressing the grief of grieving grandparents entitled “Hidden Poetic Voices: A Reflective Work of Grief, Faith, and Poetry.” Alan periodically writes articles for FellowScript Magazine and the online magazine for Compassionate Friends. He has written posts for our InScribe blog since 2015. Blog: https://scarredjoy.ca.

Bringing Hope to the Brokenhearted by Nina Faye Morey

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,

so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

~ Romans 15:13 NIV

Faith, hope, and love are fundamental to Christianity (1 Cor. 13:13).

But what exactly is hope?

HOPE

To the worldly wise, hope means something quite different than it does to us Christians. To them, hope is simply a desire or yearning for a certain outcome: “I hope it doesn’t rain today.” For many, it also means having a positive outlook on life. The hopeful focus optimistically on the opportunities that life’s challenges present. Those who tend to be more downcast, pessimistically focus on the challenges that come with life’s opportunities.

For nonbelievers, much of the hope that the world has to offer turns out to be false hope. Despair abounds and is often reflected in literature and the arts. Many people are so overcome by hopelessness and despair that they turn to drugs and/or suicide as a means of escape. Suicide is one of the top ten leading causes of death in Canada <https://suicideprevention.ca/understanding/suicide-in-canada/>.

FAITH

For Christians, grounded in the Word of God, Christ offers true hope: “The assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1). This hope, based on our Christian faith, sets us apart from the world. It’s not the kind of false hope that blinds us to life’s challenges or leads us to expect good things to simply fall into our laps.

But how can I, a believer, convey to the world’s brokenhearted the genuine hope that Jesus Christ offers? The Bible exhorts us to be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks why we are so hopeful:

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give

an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope

that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

~ 1 Peter 3:15 NIV

As a Christian writer, I must not be timid about sharing my testimony (2 Timothy 1:7-8). However, it’s imperative that I not offend my readers by being critical or judgmental. I must be careful not to write in a patronizing tone or make the mistake of putting myself on a pedestal. To gain my readers’ trust, I need to reveal my true self and be open and honest about my flaws and mistakes. If I’m not authentic, how can I connect with my audience or expect them to be receptive to my message? My desire is to reflect Christ through words that offer kindness, patience, gentleness, understanding, compassion, and respect.

LOVE

My mission is to share with the brokenhearted a sense of the incredible, infinite love and mercy of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 61:1). By sharing my own faith in the face of challenges and suffering or the peace that I feel in my heart and soul because of the trust I place in God, my words have the potential to give someone whose world is filled with hopelessness, darkness, and pain a faint glimmer of hope, light, and love.

My objective is to offer my readers words that encourage and inspire. But no matter what our Christian ministry, we can never single-handedly fix a broken world. However, by spreading Christ’s message of love and hope, we have the power to mobilize someone to take that first tiny and timely step that will start them down the right path to redemption.

Photo Credits: © 2017 Nina Faye Morey

Beloved One by Linda Aleta Tame

     A member of the Bible study I attend is also part of a Women's Prison Ministry.  Her love for the incarcerated women in our local jail is contagious, and it inspired our group to package together a few books, devotionals and of course chocolate, to express God's love and hope for a better future.  A couple of the books included were, "Heaven is for Real" by Todd Burpo, and "Second Chances" by Max Lucado.  One of the local churches provided the devotional booklets.

     I decided to make a painting to add to our gift package.  The thought that came to mind when I sat to paint was that, with Christ, second chances are always available.  He just keeps loving and forgiving and loving some more.  I wanted to convey His mercy and His tender compassion, but I wasn't sure how that would appear as a painting.  I asked the Holy Spirit to minister to these women through the creation I was about to make.  The colours came to me one by one, and I began making marks around the page.  Then I thought to make a woman's face, as I'd recently seen in other paintings.

     When it was complete, I asked my Bible study sisters to express if and how it spoke to them.  Maria Egilsson, also an artist and author, is the facilitator of the Bible study.  She responded with the most incredible "word" from the Lord.  The painting and the "word" just seemed to go together, so that's how they were presented.  The "word" was read, and sent into the hearts of the women while the painting passed through their hands and before their eyes.  The sister who facilitates the ministry to these women said they were thrilled with all the gifts!  A brighter Christmas will be theirs this year, and maybe its Light will shine into their lives.  The Christmas story was read, and one young woman had never heard it before.  I'm grateful to have been a part of sharing God's love in this way.  May it linger and be fruitful in each heart.

Beloved One
Linda Aleta Tame

BELOVED ONE

     My child, I see the weeping of your heart, those dark places that are hidden from the gaze of others. Do not be afraid to let the tears fall as My hand gathers each one, like precious pearls collected in vials of silver, etched in gold. 
     Let Me cover you under My wings, come and find shelter and rest for your soul, which is so weary and burdened.  As you come and sit with Me, there will be Light that comes like the dawning of the new day. And so it will be, for you, a dawning of new things as you give your heart into My care.  
     There is nothing or no one that can pluck you from My hand. Your heart is woven into my heart, threads that cannot be broken.  I unlock those doors that have chained you. You are not forsaken.  A new name I give to you, "Beloved One" and I will put a crown of glory upon your head and your voice, which has been so long silenced, will break out into song.  
     Once you were lost but now you are found, Daughter of a King and more precious than gold.
"Word" written by - Maria Egilsson

Please visit Maria's Facebook page Songs of the Beloved to read her moving poetry and see some of her beautiful paintings! Her book Soul Care God's Way is also available.

A Summer To Remember - by Terrie Lynne

Our daughter walking in the Redwoods

 This summer my husband, daughter and I took a road trip and drove through the states of Washington, Oregon and into the Northern tip of California. It was such an enjoyable time together. One of our destinations during the trip was to see some of the Redwood Forest. Although our daughter is a young lady in her early twenties, she just loved the experience of walking through the woods amongst those gargantuan trees. She said she felt like a child all over again walking in the Enchanted Forest!

Another experience we enjoyed was driving along the famous Highway 101 coastline. It was morning when we arrived at an oceanside view point and the morning misty fog was just lifting. I have to say that no pictures, movies or recorded sounds of the ocean waves could possibly prepare or compare with what I experienced when I saw and felt the ocean for the first time. It was there that all three of us felt like children all over again.

 

oceanside viewpoint at Brookings,Oregon

The moment I got out of the car I didn't just see the ocean, I felt it. The power of the rolling waves as they came crashing in commanded my respect. I stood in awe as I gazed out over the sparkling blue water that seemed to go on and on. It was a moment I will never forget. I was seeing one of Gods amazing creations!

My husband, daughter and I walked down the hillside and along the beach, dipping our hands and feet into the fresh, clear water. I honestly could have stayed there all day. I didn't want to leave. For me, it was like a spiritual experience in many ways for this was an opportunity, an invitation, a God moment. A moment that He, my family and I had waited all this time to experience together.

Our walk along the beach

It reminds me that it's those "God moments" that our Heavenly Father wants His children to experience so we can appreciate the reality of Him, His power and might. He is the Almighty and Everlasting God and He wants us to love and respect Him. Yet by His Spirit He walks gently along side us and wants a personal relationship with us. I believe He wants us to see ourselves as He sees us, with love and compassion, mercy and grace. He is so much bigger than us and our problems, yet so willing to come and dwell amongst us in everyday life. He Lives! Amen, let it be so!

If you enjoyed this article and would like to read other postings go to: Where The Healing Begins

Photos compliments of our family photo album.

Down with Religion! - Susan Barclay

I recently posted the following on my Facebook page because I think it's so cool how science is catching up with what the Bible has said from "the beginning", even going so far as to acknowledge "intelligent design":

An atheist acquaintance, who describes herself as a "freethinker", replied to my post. "Good to see science is progressing - too bad the same can't be said for religion!"

I always try to be careful what I say to her "religious" comments, since I don't want to fuel her fire, but do want to keep the conversation open. Finally I posted this: "Jesus was against religion, too! Down with religion! Up with Love and relationship!" To which she could only "*facepalm*". I like to think she *facepalmed* because I succeeded in stumping her, but I suspect it was more "I can't believe you actually believe this stuff."

But the truth is Jesus hates religion, or at least religious people. In Matthew 23 he calls the religious leaders hypocrites numerous times. In verse 33 he even calls them snakes and sons of vipers! Ouch!

Religion is typically about following a set of rules, but Jesus is about love. It is love that sent him to the cross to make a bridge between mankind (who was separated from God by sin), and a just but kind God. Christ-followers are to share Jesus' love with others so that they too might know him and enter into relationship with him. Unfortunately, there are a lot of religious people in the church, people who are more concerned with regulations than they are with the heart. They forget how much they have been forgiven, how much grace they've been shown, and fail to welcome others with compassion.

Christians should represent Christ and represent him well. We are the only Jesus some people will ever see. I don't know about you, but when I get to heaven and have to account for my deeds on earth, I don't want to be ashamed of how my actions turned others off of Christ instead of on to him. I want to hear "well done, good and faithful servant."

This Easter, let's give thanks for what Christ has done for us, and let's begin anew to live in a way that pleases him. Let's set religion aside, and with repentance seek to extend to others the grace and mercy that we have been shown. The kingdom will be better for it.

---

For more of my writing, please visit www.susan-barclay.ca 

Keep Strong in the Lord

It seems that the older we get, the more challenges there are. When we hear of bad news we say, “What next is going to happen?” Strife comes to all of us and it is something that we must endure throughout life. But life is not all bad. We share in joy and laughter when we hear and experience good news.


There is something that each of us can share in regardless of the storms of life and the blessings of happiness, and that is hope! How can we say that we have hope while we live in this world as we know it? Keep in mind that Jesus came to earth to be among us to fulfill the Father’s will. He came to offer hope and life but he suffered and died on a cross so that each one of us may have the opportunity of eternal life. That is our future hope!

He knows the problems that come our way. There is nothing that any one of us can go through that He hasn’t endured himself. In fact, He already suffered more than we could ever fathom but His resurrection was victorious and triumphant. Hebrews 4:14 says, “Therefore since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin.”

God sympathizes us in our weaknesses. Our sinless father to whom we cry out and have our hope is our compassionate Father. He asks us to place our hope and confidence in Him. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

In our prayers we can exclaim, “Lord you know my need, you know what I’m going through. I am seeking your grace and mercy to help me. I believe you will Lord, because you understand!”
Take hold of the hope that is yours! Keep strong in the Lord! Do not give up believing that God’s power and grace will carry you through life just as He promised He would.

“You can’t find firm footing in a swamp, but life rooted in God stands firm.” Proverbs 12:3

(The Message)

Janice Keats

A Better King - Pamela Mytroen

Can you imagine living in the 4th or 5th century B.C.? Persian Kings would make a law and when that law was discovered to be intolerable, they refused to change it. Even if it caused them regret and sadness, they stood by their written, sealed word.

King Xerxes allowed Haman to write an order for the annihilation of all Jews in his vast kingdom. When the king discovered that his beloved queen was of Jewish lineage, he was angry with himself. But would he change the law? Never. But, he allowed Mordecai to take his own royal signet ring and issue another order.

However, the Jews were still faced with a death sentence on the 13th day of the month of Adar, but now, according to Mordecai’s decree, they had the right to gather and defend themselves. The Jews were saved by God’s miraculous intervention.

Though the kings of this period appeared ruthless and unfeeling, they serve to demonstrate both the wrath and mercy of God.

Consider God, our Heavenly eternal King. He too has issued a death sentence. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death...” We have all sinned and the verdict is eternal death, a constant dying apart from the beauty and friendship of God our creator.

Yet God, though unrelenting in justice, is also merciful. Like the miracle of strength and protection he gave the Jews, He interceded supernaturally to save us from certain death. He gave Jesus, his own Son to serve our death sentence, and the sinner is given a full pardon. The verse finishes with: “...but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

God stands by His Word. His laws must be fulfilled. And it’s a good thing, or we would lose trust in an authority that constantly changed His mind.

But God the Judge is also our Savior. Like the Persian kings, He issued the stiffest sentence a King could allow for sin. Our Judge, however, takes it a step further. In humility, God stepped down from the bench, wrapped his royal cloak around the sinner and took the full condemnation of the law on His own shoulders. We are set free from the chains of guilt and death.

Thanks be to God for His amazing love!

Pam Mytroen

A January View - Pamely Mytroen

The beginning of a new year is like standing on the top of a hill. We can look back at where we’ve come from and look ahead to a new road. If we look back, what do we see?

Do we see trails that we started but never finished? Do we see broken down fences that we never repaired? Do we see a blight on the pasture land that we caused by neglect?

What does God see when he looks back on our past year? There is one thing he’s looking for. He is not looking for a paved path, a healthy growing pasture land, or plump livestock. He is looking for an attitude of the heart. When God looked back at King David’s life, he did not remember his adultery, his murderous actions, or his lies. He remembered his broken heart and his repentant spirit when Nathan the prophet confronted him.

God valued the sorrow of David’s heart more than anything else he accomplished during his 40 year reign. He did not remember his sins nor his great feats of kinghood. He remembered his tears.

Every king that ruled after David was compared to David. King Solomon, though the most wealthy and wise man of all history, had his kingdom torn away from his hands because he did not follow the Lord completely as his father David had done. How had his father David followed the Lord completely? By repenting.

God brought disaster on the house of Jeroboam because he did not follow God with all his heart like his servant David had done.

“You have not been like my servant David who kept my commands and followed me with all his heart, doing only what was right in my eyes.” God spoke this to Jeroboam in 1 Kings 14:8

"His heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his forefather had been.” God said this of Ahijah King of Judah in 1 Kings 15:3.

It seems that as God reviews our life, he will not look at our lists of accomplishments and our good deeds. He will not check off our goals that we accomplished or the New Years resolutions that we maintained. Nor will he point a shaking finger at our lies, our gossip, our fears. He will search out an attitude of repentance. He will close his eyes and breathe in, and hope to fill his senses with an aroma of brokeness and humility.

When God looks back on New Years Day, he only looks as far as Christmas Day. He’s looking for a heart of humility like the one found in the stable. When he looks ahead, he only sees as far as Easter. He listens for the sharp retort of nails being pounded into our sin. He aches for us in the cry of release as we surrender our lives to the cross, and He longs to sing with us on resurrection Sunday.

God’s view is complete. He can recall every word we’ve spoken, and review every action our hands have done. But he chooses to see only one thing – Jesus and his humility; Jesus and his obedience, and his perfect offering on the cross. He lays aside his gavel and smiles when he sees our submission to His Son, just like he viewed David with eyes of mercy.

January affords a backward and forward view. Let's remember to see our lives through God's eyes.

Pam Mytroen