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Memory
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Memory
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by Dr. Wayne Williams
“The Lord spoke to Joshua, saying: “Take for yourselves twelve men from the people, one man from every tribe, and command them, saying, ‘Take for yourselves twelve stones from here, out of the midst of the Jordan…” (Book of Joshua 4:1b-3a)
“Monument,” “momento,” and “memory” are terms we rarely hear, and yet we exercise the functionality of those words quite often. Whether in our physical actions, mental thoughts or verbal expressions, we frequently use this abstract and cognitive skill when we ponder the past, propose ideas or make future plans.
The online version of the popular Psychology Today magazine states, “memory is the faculty by which the brain encodes, stores, and retrieves information. It is a record of experience that guides future action.” Further, “memory encompasses the facts and experiential details that people consciously call to mind as well as ingrained knowledge that surface without effort or even awareness.”
Rather technical terminology wouldn’t you say? Well, more plainly stated, my rendition of this somewhat complex word can be summarized with two words, “mental recall.” Do you find in conversations with family or friends you occasionally use the expression, “Do you remember so and so or such and such?” Or if you are the one to whom that question is posed your reply might be, “You know, I recall this or that.”
Memory, though tricky at times and not always readily forthcoming, serves us best when we can call to mind (hence, “recall”) what we are thinking about. The scriptures declare in the Book of Ecclesiastes chapter 12, “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, I have no pleasure in them” (verse 1). Thusly, I am inclined to believe that our creator God has innately designed His human creation with the unique ability to reflect, retrieve and respond to vital information through long years forgotten. Be that as it may, visual aids are sometimes needful and providentially included (read more of the Joshua chapter 4 text).
As we age, and if you are like me, it helps to have tangible objects to prompt and enable one to recall a person, place or event. Case in point, recently while clearing and cleaning the ole homestead of our childhood home following our mother’s passing, my siblings and I came across a number of books, pictures, church bulletins, newspaper clippings, and other documents that “brought back” a lot of fond memories. (And might I add that some were not so fond, as they reminded us of how strict a disciplinarian our mother was at times she needed to be and for all the right reasons. Another story for another time.)
Consequently, as a family, we agreed that there were a number of items such as jewelry, clothing, cookware, and appliances that we dared not throw away as they reminded us rather vividly of our mother’s class, character, and personal style. Those items and more (perfumes, letters, coin collection) served as “stones” or memories of years long gone but enabled my siblings and me to wisely converse about future plans for our mother’s estate while charmingly reflecting on a woman revered by her family and well-remembered by her church members for numerous contributions to her beloved community. Given her legacy and its lasting impact on my hometown is, in and of itself, a “momento” truly worth keeping!
May this article serve as a dedication to my [our] dear mother/mentor/role model/best friend, Frances Maw Spencer Williams Johnson. “Gone but by no means forgotten!”
About The Author Dr. Wayne Williams and his wife of over 40 years, Lita, reside in Athens, Tennessee.
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