Why Memories?

Memory is the faculty of the mind by which information is encoded, stored, and retrieved when needed. It is the retention of information over time for the purpose of influencing future action. If past events could not be remembered, it would be impossible for language, relationships, or personal identity to develop. Memory is often understood as an informational system made up of a sensory processor, short-term and long-term memory. The sensory processor allows information from the outside world to be sensed and preserved with various levels of focus and intent. The memory also retrieves information from previously stored material. While the total capacity of memory has yet to be established, it can store very larger quantities of information. Furthermore, it can store this information for a very long duration, potentially for a whole life span. (Research has illuminated the molecular nature by which memories are established.)

Autobiographical memory

This memory consists of episodes recollected from an individual's life, based on personal experiences, specific objects, people and events experienced at particular times and places. Autobiographical knowledge contains knowledge of the self, and is used to provide information on what the self is, what the self was, and what the self can be. This information is categorized into three broad areas:

• Lifetime periods are composed of general knowledge about a distinguishable and themed time in an individual's life. 
• General events are more specific and encompass single representations of events.
• Event-specific knowledge is vividly detailed information about individual events.

Together, these three areas make up the overall life story of an individual. There are four main categories for the types of autobiographical memories:

1. Personal: containing biographical information, such as where one was born or the names of one's parents
2. Reconstructions: are experiences with a considerable amount of visual and sensory detail. They are autobiographical memories rebuilt to incorporate interpretations made in hind-sight.
3. Specific: are memories containing a detailed memory of a certain event.
4. Observer: memories recollect in the original perspective - from a first-person point of view.

Autobiographical memory performs a self-representative function by using personal memories to create and maintain continuity over time. Self-identity allows for life reflections, which lead to self-insight and often self-growth.

Spiritual Reflections on Memory

Identity of oneself has occupied great men of the ages. Moses said unto God, Who am I …; King David  … said, Who am I …; and Solomon said, Who am I! In Psalm 8:4 the question is asked: “What is man, that thou art mindful of him?” The answer follows:

“Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet.

The quest to attain an awareness of one’s own identity is an endeavor undertaken by all mankind! Finding one’s own, intimate identity can be a great blessing in the life of every human being. Once it is achieved, the thoughts- “I’m not worth anything—I’m just a nobody,” has no place in life. In our divine capacity we have been given characteristics which are unique to the human race. Among them—

1. We have an awareness of our own personality and the ability to strive for self-realization.
2. We have the ability to extend our knowledge, to become aware of the nature of humanity and the nature of things about us.
3. We have the power of abstract reasoning by which we can compare facts and determine the relationship between them and their relevance in our lives.
4. We have the ability and the right to make choices.
5. We have a will to master. By this power, we can control thoughts, emotions, appetites, and passions.
6. We have a right to worship God and can seek power from Him to fulfill our destiny.

Our spiritual identity is enhanced as we understand our many mortal identities, including ethnic, cultural, and national heritage. This sense of belonging can profoundly inspire. Nearly every aspect of our lives is organized around belonging to something.  We are often reminded to “Remember who you are!”  Doing so invokes a connectedness we all share in mortality. Whatever the total number of individuals who have lived on the earth, it is finite, countable, one person at a time. You and I, we each matter. We are each born of a mother and father. And each mother and father is born of a mother and father. We are ultimately connected in the family of God and in the human family. Connecting with our kin can change our lives in surprising ways. From their trials and accomplishments, we gain faith and strength. From their love and sacrifices, we increase closeness and gratitude. We need roots to have wings—real relationships, meaningful service, life beyond fleeting social veneers. As we discover our story, we connect, we belong, we become. Man is that he might have joy. Imagine your image reflected back and forth between two mirrors of eternity.

We each have a story!

That story is contained within the remembrances of our soul. It is important to be mindful of the things we remember.  For they are the essence of what remains through eternity.  None of us get to take with us any scrap of mortality.  That which survives into the eternities is the memories that we acquire amidst this life.  Consider, if your memories were somehow ‘wiped out’ – you would no longer remain.  Of course, your body would remain; but you – that part of you which is genuinely you – would be gone.  Thus, your memories are just that - you!