Memories

Memories: Memories are information that is encoded, stored, and retrieved either in our short or long term memory banks. Most people take great joy in storing memories that are positive and fun. We like to reflect on memories that makes us happy which lifts our spirits. Good memories are events of our past experiences that when reminiscing causes us to draw from their positive energy. However, in the world in which we find ourselves today, our good memories are often impacted by our unfavorable memories. Unfavorable memories are thoughts that seem to drain us of our positive energy.

Unfavorable memories are also thoughts that can quickly move our emotions from happiness to sadness. Sometimes our unfavorable memories can cast a dark cloud over our bright sunny days. Psychologist, neuroscientist, and other health experts have noted the positive impact that good memories have upon our emotional, mental and physical health. But even more so positive reminiscing has an impact on our spiritual well-being. Thinking on the good things in life has the potential of helping us to endure and press beyond the unfavorable things.

Yet, I bet everyone can think of at least one individual that spending a large portion of their time, energy, and brain power thinking about the negative things that have happen in their life experiences. Negative events are not always terminal events; a terminal event is called death. Outside of death, there is always chance or hope that a negative event can be turned into a positive event. Genesis 50:20 (ESV) As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. You see God knows that in this world we will face challenges, attacks, discouragements, disappointments, and setback, but these things are not the end of your life. God knows that out of what seems to be a death blow experience can come new life. The situation may have been designed to take you out, but God, but God decided to keep you in the picture.

You have been gifted the opportunity to overcome your unfavorable experiences. Do not sit around moaning and groaning about something that you cannot change. The past is gone and will never return. It does not matter if you made the mistake(s) or if someone mistreated you. Get over it, bury it, stand up, and press on. Move forward and upward to be all that you were designed to be. Please do not be like Harry Hippie, get up; live, laugh, and love again. Philippians 4:8 (AMP) Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. Ready, Set, Go!