“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Col. 1:13-14).

Memories! They sometimes come flooding like torrents of a river, bringing the past to instruct us today. Some carry along, ugly images that crush the spirit. Some bring along irresistible pictures to tempt us back into the darkness of yesterday. Yet, other images seek to awaken our anger and resentment towards some people to seek revenge. But some memories come to refresh, refocus, and help to keep striving for a better tomorrow. Such memories are warm and encouraging. They infuse strength and courage to live in the face of trying and painful circumstances. 

I remember growing up in my native Ghana. Like every close-knit community, everybody knew everyone. We shared everything, including child discipline. These were days when we sang along as we went to the farm and sat under the oak tree to share a meal. In those days, crime was a foreign intruder. Children played in the moon-lit nights and sat around the night fire to listen to the Ashanti folklore called Anansesem. Those were the good old days!

I also recall some people who made my life hell on earth. I particularly remember a friend of my father who abused me shamefully at fourteen. My resentment surged into an oath to kill him anywhere I met him. Then there was this eight-grade teacher who said I was as dull as the mudfish my mother sold. How cruel abusers are! 

Vividly, my memory flashes back to some places where fear ruled in those days. Typical were the ugly figures and carvings at the fetish shrines. They controlled the hearts and minds of the people. Nobody died a natural death, for every death had an evil old lady behind it. What ignorance! But that is the empty way of life handed down to me from my ancestors from which Christ has redeemed me (1 Peter 1:18).

That is why I love my helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17). It keeps my mind stable in Christ Jesus. It reminds me of His love displayed on Calvary (Rm. 5:8). I rejoice that by grace through faith, Christ has saved me (Eph. 2:8-9). The memory of the day I walked down the aisle and received His gift of life—the day Christ washed my sins away—is dear to my heart (1 Pt. 1:18-19). I celebrate my rescue from the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of the Son He loves (Col.1:13-14) with redemption songs of praise to my Lord who has done this for me (Isaiah 44:23). I am free from every hatred and bitterness for those two men who almost ruined my life. Jesus has liberated me from the fear of those lifeless idols. I am at peace with God and myself (Rom. 5:1, 5), and I have my future set in my living Savior (Col. 1:27). 

That is why I can live today and face tomorrow with no fear. I can live because “I know my Redeemer lives, and in the end, He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see Him with my own eyes – I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:25-27).

What are your memories?