How Soon We Forget

How Soon We Forget

A Memorial Day Message

A year has passed since Japan suffered its worst disaster; a tsunami swept across the land, killing thousands and destroying the homes, cars and personal belongings of hundreds of others.  In one town, 15,000 people lost their lives.  As we viewed the devastation on our television sets, we thought we would never forget what we saw.  BUT SOON WE FORGOT.

Our hearts and emotions were deeply touched when we learned about the shooting spree at Chardon’s high school.  Five young teens were shot, three of them died.  We found ourselves weeping and praying for the other young lives affected by the experience, and also for the families of all involved.  We almost felt the pain ourselves.  BUT SOON WE FORGOT.

We prayed and contributed to the physical needs of people living in South Carolina as hurricane Irene descended on that area.  It was one of the biggest and most dangerous storms ever to visit the southern coastal state.  Millions of dollars in destruction, and many lost lives.  We sympathized and expressed our sincere concern.  BUT SOON WE FORGOT.

What seemed like a senseless and unnecessary accident took the lives of three young, vibrant college girls.  Someone driving the wrong way on a one-way road, hit their car head-on.  We felt the pain of the parents who received that late night call, telling them of the fatal accident.  We felt genuine sadness at what seemed so unnecessary.  BUT SOON WE FORGOT.

Earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, floods, wars and accidents make us tremble as we share the distraught feelings of others.  BUT SOON WE FORGET.

We need to remember those who suffer in one way or another, and be grateful and “Forget not the benefits of the Lord” (Ps. 103:2) in our own lives.