There are often days that occur in our lives that we will never forget. They can be happy days like our wedding day or the birth of our children. They can be sad days like the loss of a parent, sibling or a spouse. We often remember every detail, every conversation, every feeling. I don’t know why it happens like that. Why we can replay it like a movie in our minds on the day it occurred no matter how many years have passed. I still remember every little detail that brought me to one of those life changing date remembering days on February 23, 2016. Every detail is etched forever in my mind and no amount of running will put any distance between them.

I remember being there when my friend was diagnosed with cancer. I remember my dad being taken to Morgantown and my mom getting stuck in the snow. I remember volunteering to bring my friend’s daughter to Illinois to help her. I remember the icy trip to FHU and wondering if the weather would get better for a trip to Pennsylvania. I remember my dad getting home from the hospital before my trip east. I remember getting Chinese takeout and eating it with my parents in their basement. I remember the cold toilet seat. I remember the hugs. I remember the very quick trip for ice cream after Bible Study with my brother and his family and how coffee flavored is not a good choice before bedtime. I remember getting lost in Pennsylvania, the 10 hours of Disney music, and the surprised look on my friend’s face. I remember the phone calls, the sound of my mom’s voice, and the inability to sleep because it seemed so nightmarish. I remember the drive back east and the tearful hug from my mom. It has almost been a year and I still remember it all. Every detail.

I wonder if those who had lived when Jesus did remembered every little detail that transpired before his death and resurrection a year later.

Did they remember the donkey ride and the praise He was given (Matthew 21:1-11)?

Did they remember the costly oil and the one who anointed Him for His burial (Matthew 26:6-13)?

Did they remember the last Passover they celebrated with Him (Matthew 26:17-29)?

Did they remember when they fell asleep in the garden (Matthew 26:36-46)?

Did they remember that kiss of betrayal  (Luke 22:47-48)?

Did they remember that ear My Lord reattached  (Luke 22:50-51)?

Did they remember the coldness of that night when their hearts grew cold (Mark 14:66-72)?

Did they remember the false accusations, the shouts of the people to crucify Him, our Lord’s beaten body, the blood running down His face as He carried the cross, the sound of the hammer pounding the  nails, the sound of His voice as He spoke in agony  (Mark 15)?

Memories like these often bring tears no matter how many years have passed. Memories have lessons attached to them and trying to run from them is a futile mistake. Some of those who witnessed our Lord’s death knew that. Over and over in the New Testament, we have them preaching and teaching about it because of the lessons attached to it that are needed by all. They remembered and so should we.

For those who were witnesses of our Lord’s death, many of them also witnessed His resurrection  (Luke 24). Those sad memories had a happy ending. For us who are experiencing/reliving those sad days, may we remember to look to our Lord. For it is in Him, through Him, and because of Him we can have a happy ending.

“…be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Revelation 2:10

By: Kristina Odom