Why Memorials Are Important: How Memories Anchor Us in Faith and Life
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The Power of Memorials and Memories
One of the most effective ways to find inspiration for today is to reflect on the past. Memorials are more than just physical reminders; they serve as anchors for our memories, bringing clarity, gratitude, and hope when life feels overwhelming.
In a world that often rushes forward without pause, we risk forgetting the milestones and miracles that have shaped our journey. Memorials, whether physical or spiritual, help us remember—and remembering has the power to transform our perspective.
What Are Memorials, and Why Are They Important?
In the Bible, memorials often took the form of physical structures, such as altars or piles of stones, that marked significant events or acts of God’s faithfulness. One of the clearest examples is found in Joshua 4:1-7, when God instructed the Israelites to build a memorial after crossing the Jordan River:
"When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. … These stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever."
This memorial wasn’t just for the Israelites who witnessed the miracle—it was for future generations. Memorials remind us where we’ve been and what God has done, grounding us in faith even during the hardest seasons.
Memorials and Memories: Anchors in the Storm
The truth is, life gets hard. Some days feel so overwhelming that you might want to quit. But remembering where you’ve come from, the victories you’ve experienced, and the ways God has worked in your life can be the antidote to discouragement.
In Chapter 1 of my book Refugee: Embracing the Journey as Strangers and Foreigners on This Earth, I share a powerful example of a "memorial" from my own life: my parents’ journey to escape communist Romania. Their story has become a cornerstone memory for me, one that I return to often when I need perspective.
Excerpt: A Family’s Memorial of Faith
Leaving Home
At this point in their lives, my mother and father were just kids. They were 24 years old when they made a decision to pursue a new life in a different country with a completely different culture. Although a major risk, they knew there was freedom and like Abraham, it was worth “leaving your country, your relatives, and your father’s household” to a different land.
My mom shared how, in the middle of the night, they looked at me sleeping in my crib, knowing there was a chance they’d never see me again. If caught, they faced certain jail time or even death. Watching my babies sleep now, I can’t imagine the weight of their decision. But for them, freedom was worth the cost.
This moment of sacrifice has become a personal memorial for me—a reminder of my parents’ courage and the opportunities their decisions created for me. It’s also a reflection of God’s faithfulness, guiding them step by step toward freedom.
How Memorials Relate to Memories
Memorials are important because they give us the space to pause and reflect. They help us remember the specific ways God has been faithful, which can provide hope and encouragement for the future. Here’s why they matter:
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Memorials Keep Us Grateful
In the rush of daily life, it’s easy to focus on what’s wrong or what’s missing. Memorials help us shift our perspective to gratitude by reminding us of God’s provision and blessings. -
Memories Build Resilience
When you’re facing a tough season, looking back at past victories can remind you that you’ve overcome challenges before—and you can do it again. -
They Teach the Next Generation
Just as the stones in Joshua’s memorial told the story of God’s faithfulness to future generations, our own memorials—whether physical, written, or spoken—teach our children and others about the power of faith.
How to Build Your Own Memorials
You don’t need to build a physical structure to create a memorial. Here are some practical ways to commemorate the milestones and memories in your life:
- Write It Down: Keep a journal of answered prayers, miracles, and blessings. When you’re feeling discouraged, revisit those entries to remind yourself of God’s faithfulness.
- Celebrate Milestones: Take time to celebrate major events or victories with your family, making those moments a part of your shared story.
- Create Visual Reminders: Frame photos, collect meaningful objects, or even plant a tree to symbolize a significant moment in your life.
- Share Your Story: Talk openly with your children, friends, and community about the ways God has worked in your life.
Memories That Inspire the Future
Memorials aren’t just about looking back—they’re about inspiring hope for what’s ahead. As I reflect on my parents’ sacrifice and the memorial it represents in my life, I’m reminded that God’s faithfulness is never-ending. The same God who brought them through their journey is the same God who walks with me today.
In your own life, take time to reflect on the "stones" you’ve collected along the way. What moments, miracles, and milestones do you need to bring into focus? These memories are more than just markers of the past—they’re fuel for the future.
A Call to Remember
God instructed the Israelites to build memorials because He knew we would need reminders. Reminders of His goodness. Reminders of His provision. Reminders that we’re never alone.
What about you? What memorials do you need to revisit? What memories can you draw on to anchor your faith and inspire your journey forward?
Take some time today to reflect, remember, and even create new memorials. Because the connection between memorials and memories is the momentum we need to step boldly into the future.
If you enjoyed this excerpt from Refugee, I encourage you to pick up a copy. My prayer is that it will inspire you to reflect on your own story and find strength in God’s faithfulness.