Not Forgotten

by the Rev. Paul McLain

In a city in a neighboring state several years ago, a man named John was convicted of financial wrongdoing for his role in a savings and loan association scandal. When people of the city heard about his conviction, they had many of the expected reactions. Some said, “It’s about time someone was held accountable for what that association has done to steal from depositors and taxpayers.” Others didn’t say much, but you could tell from their self-satisfied look that they were glad to see that one of the town’s corrupt big shots had finally gotten his comeuppance. A few who knew John more personally felt sympathy toward him and his family as they went through this time of shame and humiliation. This went on for a couple of months as John was tried, sentenced, and went to prison. And then, he was forgotten. The folks in the city moved on to talk about more recent news and scandals.

But one man named Les did not forget about John. He did not know John well, but something was placed on his heart when he heard about John’s conviction. Les resolved that during the time John was in prison, he would write a letter and send a book to him every week. And that is exactly what he did. Les was determined to make sure that John was not forgotten.

John later shared that the letters and books he received from Les were what sustained him while he was incarcerated. Just as important as the substance of the letter or book was the excitement of receiving this package each week. Every time he received this little bundle of love, John knew he was not forgotten. He was remembered.

The root of the word remember is to re–member, to take our scattered parts and pieces and knit us back together again. It is amazing how simply being acknowledged and affirmed can bring restoration and wholeness to one’s being. To be remembered is to receive salve from Jesus. It is to be anointed by his gentle hands in the places where we are most tender. Each week, when Les sat down with pen and paper, composed a letter to John, selected a book to send him, and wrapped his little care package with his gentle hands, he sent salve to the tender places of John’s soul.

Les understood it took conscious effort to heal one of Christ’s beloved children who had felt forgotten. Is there someone you need to remember this week?