By DANNY MINTON

The Pandemic of 2020 will be registered in our minds as something we will always remember. As time moves forward, some of the details will fade, but we will not forget that it took place. Most of us will never forget.

People remember those events in life that have an impact on our future. Our “National Anthem” is a reminder of the flag still flying over Fort McHenry in the war of 1812. “Remember the Alamo” was the battle cry of Texans who fought for freedom. “Remember Pearl Harbor,” was a cry that echoed across the nation as the U.S. entered WWII. In our minds are images of 9/11 in 2001 as the twin towers burned and collapsed. We never forget where we were when Oswald assassinated Kennedy or when the space shuttle exploded.

Adding to these, we all have personal memories that we will never forget. Some of these memories are happy, others sad, and several we’d like to forget. We keep photos to remind us of those events in our past that we hold dear. We keep momentoes of special times that mean a lot to us. There are times that we open our album or browse through our box of keepsakes and let our minds go back to those things we will never forget.

God wanted the Israelites never to forget what He had done for them in freeing them from slavery in Egypt. He had them tell the story to their children and grandchildren. They were to be diligent in passing it on from generation to generation. The Passover was there to remind them of how God had saved them. Other feasts added to tell the people of how all they possess originates from God the Father. They were never to forget!

Before Jesus was to be crucified, he met with his disciples, and breaking the bread and sharing the wine reminded them not to forget why he came to be among them. “Do this in remembrance of me!”

Throughout God’s Word, he tells his people, he says to us, “I am in control.” David wrote, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” Why? “For you are with me!” Men and women of faith throughout the Bible remembered that God was always there for them in both good and bad times. God never forsakes those who love and follow Him. He reminded them to “Never Forget!”

There’s a little poem that I came across years ago that though simple has a powerful impact.

Said the robin to the sparrow,

I should really like to know,

Why these anxious human beings

Rush about and worry so?

Said the sparrow to the robin,

I think that it must be,

That they have no heavenly Father,

Such as cares for you and me.”

(Author unknown)

These are days in time that we will never forget. It’s a time when people are scared, confused, and in some cases, panicking. It’s a time when we can seriously take a look at ourselves and ask, “Do I trust in my Lord?”

Most importantly, we should never forget that God is always here with us in good times, as well as trying times. Never Forget.

Danny Minton is Pastoral Minister and Elder at Southern Hills Church of Christ