Remind Me
I can’t tell you how many times now I walk into a room and just stop. It’s because I can’t remember why I’m there. Sometimes I’m lucky and the reason pops back up in a few seconds, but more times than not I leave the room in disgust, completely void of why I went there.
My memory—ugh!
Alzheimer’s runs in my family. It’s a real scare for my siblings and I. We wonder how much forgetfulness is normal and how much may be the beginnings of the disease.
My father’s journey was more than normal aging. Alzheimer’s became a resident in his life and held on till God called him home. It is beyond difficult to see your own loved one forget everything that made up each and every detail of his life. As was the day when my dad stretched forward his hand and offered to shake mine, introducing himself with pride. All I could do was smile. But when he followed it with, “and who are you?” my heart broke in two—my smile disappeared. I realized that day I was no longer his baby girl—I was all but a forgotten detail, never again to be connected with the ties of love.
Oh how I cry out to God at times wondering if he too has forgotten me.
Am I all but a faded detail?
Am I important to Him anymore?
Remind me Lord who I am to you!
And His gentle voice responds:
Beloved1
But Lord have you forgotten me?
Never2
Am I really your beloved?
Beyond words3
Tell me! Remind me! Show me!
The Cross4
And with those soft-spoken words, I gasp with humility as I remember.
Our lives get crazy. Stuff happens. The proverbial fan is broke from so much hitting it day in and day out, and we wonder, where are you God? Am I even on your radar?
I don’t know what you are going through today—fears or challenges or just the routine—but if you are wondering if God has forgotten you, hear His words…
—He has not!
Neither disease, nor aging, nor temporary lapses will ever separate Him from you.
He has not forgotten you.
He will never forget you.
You are His child.
His Words are true.
Our Lord does not walk into rooms wondering what He went in there for. He does, however, walk into the rooms of our hearts to say, “I’m here—I’m not leaving. I am yours and you are mine—and that will remain forever.”
You will never become a faded detail.
Your ties of love will forever remain strong.
Reach out and take his hand.
No need for introductions—he already knows who you are. . .
You are His beloved.
1“For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son—both alike belong to me.” Ezekiel 18:4 NIV
2“I will remember my covenant between me and you…” Genesis 9:15 NIV
2“Never will I leave you; Never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 NIV
3“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son.” John 3:16 NIV
4“He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities…he was led like a lamb to the slaughter.” Isaiah 53:5,7 NIV
Renae,
As you know this brought back many recent memories of Mom. A reminder what God says when he walks into rooms of our hearts…no introductions needed. Love your comparison to how we feel when we think we are forgotten. Thank you Renae, for your reminder.
Ah Judy, our memories are the same. I’m glad there was a reminder in the words. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Renae, we too lost my husbands Mom to Alzheimer’s last year and it was a horrible journey so we (my husband & I) as we age question EVERYTHING when we forget things, is it the disease? Is this just normal aging? We are taking our coconut oil daily because we have heard several times it can help keep the brain functioning but my oh my your comparison to how we feel when we think God forgets us was so great. Thank You!!!
Sounds like we have similar feelings in this “aging” process. I am glad you found a bit of refuge in the words today. Thank you for stopping by!
Renae,
You were inspired this time especially. I sit here with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. I wonder just how many Christians feel that God has forgotten them. I admit that sometimes I experience this agonizing situation. God bless your day Renae and may we both enjoy His very near presence and His intimate knowing.
Yes Chrissy–may we enjoy his very near presence! I don’t like the ebb and flows of that feeling but I know its more when I move from Him than the opposite. May He bless your day, too! <3