I could hear him and a friend laughing hysterically downstairs. I was going crazy. I decided to sneak into my parents’ room and watch it quietly up there. My plan failed because I was laughing so hard that he heard me. I can’t remember what mayhem occurred when he found me, but that was the end of Carol for the night.

Many years later, my wife and I went to Charlotte one night to see her live. She did a question and answer program and it was outstanding. I asked if I could come up on stage and give her one of my books. She said I could come back stage after the program and meet her. What an absolute thrill to tell her personally how much I enjoyed her show.

My Dad got took the family to see Tim Conway and Harvey Korman in Greensboro a number of years ago for a similar program. They kept the audience in stitches the whole evening. They shared plenty of back stories and Tim Conway told lots of personal stories. Even then their gift to make us laugh shone brightly.

 The memories of watching such clean humor are sweet to revisit. I deeply appreciate their talent and ability to make us laugh. It is good to reflect back on happy times. I think that reflecting back on our lives can be a very good thing. While there are things I would prefer to never remember, there are more things that I never want to forget.

 I want to remember the day I gave my life to the Lord. I want remember going to Sunday school, youth group, and church. I remember going to so many great music programs and hearing outstanding speakers. I have eaten at more potlucks than I can count. I want to remember reading my Bible and the many ways it changed my life. I want to remember times that I prayed and God answered my prayers. Recently I reflected back on my pastors and thanked God for each one and their positive influence on my walk with Christ.

As I think back on my life, I can see how much I have grown as a believer. I see the trials and how He stood beside me. I remember walking through a dry desert time and how He helped me endure and stay faithful. I see how He helped me overcome my doubts and fears. I have so many stories of how God came through for me in difficult moments. These stories are part of my testimony. These stories and memories are where I find strength when things get tough and I think about giving up. God has always been there for me and I need to remember that when I face future trials.

 I want to encourage you to take some time and reflect back on how God has come through for you. We have all faced different Goliaths who have accused us of holding onto a god who would never rescue us. BUT we have plenty of stories of how God showed up and saved the day. We know that we have defeated our giants and those are memories we need to share so we can encourage each other. Good memories can motivate us to even greater victories.

Contact Doug at doug@dougcreamer.com