Bible Study Event Evangelism Holidays Missions Prayer Community Outreach Family Ministry Leadership Development Organizational Helps Publicity Devotionals Finances Local Ministry Personal Development Spiritual Development

Reader Poll

What resources do you need most as you lead Women’s Ministries Unlimited! in your church? Leadership training Bible studies Ideas for meetings Outreach ideas Ideas for ministering to a diversity of women View Results

 

Holidays

The Ceremony of Memory

"Have I told you about the time…," Dad began, as he launched into one of his age-old tales. He knew he had, but he had another purpose for reviving it. It was more like a ceremony honoring a fond memory. I had the option of standing by with a yawn or participating in the celebration. I chose to participate.

"Dad," I bantered back, "do you remember the Father's Day we kids surprised you with a new suit?" Of course he did, but he eagerly replied, "No," signaling that it was my turn. Dubbed "Our Great Father's Day Caper," the story reminds me of what it means to "honor your father." It is a memory that deserves the ceremony of retelling.

The Hebrew children were familiar with that ceremony. Over and over they listened to the ritual telling of the Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob stories. The saga of Moses and the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land was passed along for generations by oral tradition. When the Lord instructed Moses to go to Pharaoh, He told him He would perform miraculous signs "that you may tell your children and grandchildren how I dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how I performed my signs among them, and that you may know that I am the Lord" (Exodus 10:2).

Storytelling is not about new information. It is about celebrating a life God has blessed. And listening to a long worn-out tale isn't about endurance. It is about adding value to the life of the teller. It is applauding the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father.

Mother's and Father's Day are perfect opportunities to indulge in the ceremony of memory. Give your parents or guardians the gift of listening to their stories—again.

JOAN RHODEN lives in Fairfax, Virginia, and is the wife of H. Robert Rhoden, superintendent of the Potomac District of the Assemblies of God.