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REMEMBERING

As the anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks approaches, the National Mental health Association is urging viewers to cut back on TV time. The group has issued a warning about watching too much of the memorial coverage, or risk an encounter with depression, irritability, apathy, fearfulness, or other disquieting symptoms. Instead the Association urges people to spend the anniversary volunteering, exercising, taking a nap, or going to church.

At least one link between television viewing and a troubled populace has been established. A study of 2,300 Americans released in August found a direct correlation between post-traumatic stress disorder and time spent watching September 11 coverage.

Purdue University communications professor Glenn Sparks says, “ Some people may want to remember. Others will want no part at all.”

While some new outlets are promising intense coverage featuring video footage and interviews, some cable networks are taking the message to heart. Instead of airing additional memorial coverage, eight cable channels will make their own statement by suspending programming September 11 between 8:46 and 10:29 AM, the time of the attacks. These networks will either show the names of victims, or images, words, and music to “inspire quiet reflection.”

—http://asp.washtimes.com, August 30, 2002 Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

1 Corinthians 11:24-26 How and why should we choose to remember things? Jesus told his followers to remember his death because his death gives life by paying the penalty for sins. “And when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “ This is my body which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same way, he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My Blood; do this as often as you drink it in remembrance of Me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”

REMEMBERING/CHRISTMAS

A chaplain at a Connecticut hospital says when people experience the loss of a loved one through death, the pain is tremendous. When well-meaning friends and relatives are reluctant to use the names of the loved one or talk about the death, it is like losing that person again. He says his experiences have shown that bereaved people ache for opportunities to talk about their loved one, whether the person died last week or years earlier. Remembering may bring tears, but it also produces emotional release and even joy.

The holiday season is difficult for people who are grieving. We sometimes don't mention the name of someone who has died, fearing we will inflict more pain. As we enter the Christmas season, friends and family members need us to talk openly about the people they have lost. One of the most valuable ministries this season may be, "the ministry of remembering." The apostle Paul wrote these words in Romans 12:15: "Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn."

—www.gospelcom.net/rbc/odb/obd-11-27-01/shtml, Our Daily Bread, November 27,

2001. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.