Forget Me Not

The delicate blooms of rich blue and occasional pink and white have filled my soul for as long as I can remember. Back when I used to pick bouquets of wild flowers and give them to elderly neighbours or favourite teachers, my seven-year old fist, full of forget me-nots was a special delight. 

This year, they seem to be everywhere, or perhaps I’ve just slowed down enough to notice them, or maybe with all the talk of residents in nursing homes feeling forgotten. The flower come to symbolize Alzheimer’s patients makes me think of them. In a time of social isolation and physical distancing, even with permission to “bubble,” so many people are feeling forgotten. We are coming to realize that the real value in life lies in connecting with others. Connections matter most when you are feeling vulnerable or isolated. A phone call or a hand written letter or a friendly gesture or even a text message says you’ve not been forgotten, and can make a real difference in the life of another. 

I see a strange correlation with this week’s scripture story from Acts 2. Jews from around the known world are gathered together to celebrate the Festival of Weeks, the harvest festival falling seven weeks after Passover. Speaking different languages, and holding different cultural customs, it would have been an interesting group. Though they have varied experiences and expectations, they hold in common their interest in the preaching of the crucified Messiah. Crucified because he stood alongside the vulnerable, the forgotten, the excluded; stood with them, ate with them, listened to their stories, recognized their struggle, their shared humanity and assured them that they too were loved, chosen and free. These “forget me-nots” of the early church were cast aside by power, by temple authorities and by those on the inside. The Christian movement started because Jesus stood on the side of the powerless and forgotten, and those who followed him saw power of that kind of love. Despite their differences, they came together to be the early church. What they believed in common was more important than what separated them. 

It is a strange coincidence that like much of society, the church finds itself trying to figure out how to be in these times. We are hearing daily, the reports of how the already vulnerable are now more so. The horror of hearing about deaths in long term care has disturbed all of us and revealed the reality of this vulnerable sector. Perhaps the silver lining in this news is that by slowing down and paying attention to this tragedy our work is becoming more clear. This is a new day. We are in a new way of understanding our best response as the followers of Christ. We’ve been reminded how important it is to not be forgotten.  Perhaps this is a time for Christians to show they are who they say they are; followers of a way that does not separate anyone from the love of God in Christ. Tangible ways are demonstrated daily. Be inspired and join the festival. A faith for today invites us to not forget, and to work together for the whole people of God. 

Rev. Donna Tourneur is passionate about the mission defined by the people of Trinity United Church in New Glasgow, as they follow the lead of Jesus.