It’s been a weekend of remembrance. There have been visual reminders – pictures of conflicts past and present, televised national acts of remembrance, poppies on the memorial outside Pakefield Parish Church, Lyn’s beautiful display in our church.
Familiar words have been read:
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
We’ve remembered the foolishness of war, the frustration of past lessons ignored, the selfless sacrifice of many, the longing for peace and a better future.
I experienced the ‘two minutes silence’ on three occasions. At church yesterday morning I remembered in the context of my faith, love, selfless sacrifice and a God of peace.
On Saturday evening, watching the Festival of Remembrance from the Albert Hall, I thought of the armed forces, considering social freedoms, national service.
On Saturday morning I stood with thirty ordinary men at our Men’s Shed. Some had served in the forces, all had stories to tell about war and peace, Lowestoft bombings, families and friends.
Old hymns have fresh relevance…
…Dear Lord and Father of mankind, forgive our foolish ways… Abide with me, fast falls the eventide. The darkness deepens… O God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come… Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow…
There have been stories of resilience, through war and conflict, overcoming physical and mental barriers, living with memories, keeping alive the stories of unsung heroes.
One of the most moving moments for me was Mica singing ‘Something inside strong’. Remembering the original written by Labi Siffre, someone who had known prejudice because of his colour and sexuality; thinking of war and peace…
Something inside so strong
I know that I can make it
Though you’re doing me wrong, so wrong
You thought that my pride was gone
Oh no, something inside so strong
Musing… past remembrance… continuing relevance… ongoing resilience…
malcolmsmusings.org 