Memory and Forgettory, November 26
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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By David Gira
Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like (James 1:23-24 NIV).
We all have things that we want to forget—mistakes we’ve made, our shortcomings, people we have hurt and let down, and other things we don’t want to deal with. Cancer has a way of causing us to remember what we have forgotten.
In a story I read recently, one of the main characters had a real gift for forgetting anything he wanted to—guilt, regret, unpleasant memories, responsibilities, and more.
This man forgot anything that might distract him from the pleasure of the moment, and from basking in his hedonistic, self-indulgent, unfaithful lifestyle. He even banished from his mind his wife and six kids.
By forgetting all of this, he was able to consistently regard himself as good and true, a great person, demonstrating an epic degree of self-delusion.
Of this character, another said it was not that he had a bad memory. Rather, he had an excellent forgettory.
I had never heard the word forgettory, but it describes the essence of our sinful condition. We forget we are children of God and our responsibilities. We are guilty of sin for both the things we did and the things we didn’t do, but should have. Both include things we choose to forget.
Cancer has a way of making us remember, revealing our forgettory. Soon after my diagnosis, into clear view came many things I had conveniently forgotten.
One reality I had chosen to forget was my workaholism. I had long known I placed far too much importance on my work. It was my addictive drug … providing purpose, self-worth, identity, and everything. My excellent forgettory also kept me from seeing how workaholism hurt my wife, kids, our family, and myself.
Cancer reminded me in many ways. I was more afraid of losing my job than losing my life. When I continued to hold on to work, cancer forced me onto medical leave and disability. Having my job taken away gave me an opportunity to reorder my life, above all, prioritizing my wife and kids.
We see forgettory in the Bible. In James, the author writes about Christians who hear God’s word but conveniently fail to remember and do what the Lord said. This person “is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like” (James 1:23-24 NIV).
James reminds us of some truths we can easily forget. We are called by God to:
· Hold onto our faith, even during trials (see James 1:6).
· Don’t show favoritism (see James 2:1). All sin. All are equal in Christ.
· Serve others (see James 2:14-20).
· Tame the tongue (see James 3:5-8). Our words can do infinite harm or good. Carefully choose the words we speak.
Has your cancer experience brought to mind things you have been conveniently forgetting? Now is the time to remember. Remembering may be hard, even unpleasant, but whoever remembers will be blessed (see James 1:25). Even cancer can be an opportunity for renewal and new beginnings.
Pray: Lord, keep me from forgetting all that is important. Help me remember You and others and love in ways that honor You. Amen.
Your Turn: “I Will Remember You” by Sarah McLachlan is a beautiful song. Although secular, it may serve well as a prayer for each of us. Check it out!
Michael David Gira, Jr., Cancer Survivor
David was an ordained United Methodist Pastor and graduate of Duke Divinity School. He and his wife, Amy, lived in Raleigh, North Carolina with their three children. In 2017 he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. In his book, How Cancer Cured Me, he shares many ways he experienced God’s healing. After a seven-year battle with cancer, David is now joyously singing praises in God’s glorious throne room. His legacy lives on through his writing for Cancer Companions, as he continues to proclaim Christ’s hope and healing power to others experiencing cancer. https://www.davidgira.com/how-cancer-cured-me
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
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