God’s Memory Room

“I just cannot bear it,” cried Melissa, who was curled in my lap, with tears streaming down her face. “Funerals are dreadful! Everyone sobbing.

What does it mean that her spirit went back to God who gave it? Where does God keep it?” It was Melissa’s first funeral experience. Unfortunately, it was for one of her playmates who had been killed in a hit-and-run accident. “Once upon a time, when I was about twelve,” I began, and Melissa’s tear-stained face tilted up, eager for the story.

“I was a pallbearer for a three-month-old baby who had died of scarlet fever. At the baby’s memorial service, my father used the same verse from Ecclesiastes. Later, in response to my similar question, he replied: ‘I don’t know but I’m sure God has a state-of-the-art system for saving the spirit and DNA formula for every human being. It may help you to picture in your mind’s eye the most beautiful room you can possibly imagine. The baby’s [future] is safe with God—in His Memory Room.’ ” “Is God’s Memory Room more beautiful than the Amber Room? The one in Catherine’s Palace in Saint Petersburg?” asked Melissa.

“We saw pictures of it at school, and it was amazing!” “My guess is that God’s Memory Room is more wonderful than we could ever imagine, although the Amber Room could be a good start,” I replied. “If I’d known about God’s Memory Room sooner, maybe the funeral wouldn’t have been so dreadful. I could have told people about it.” Melissa’s little voice trailed off. “The apostle Paul says we have hope, so we will not grieve like those who are without hope” (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13, NLT), I said, trying to encourage her own sad spirit.

“I’ll miss her,” said Melissa with a sigh. “But I like knowing her [future] is safe with God in His Memory Room.” “And think about how much fun you’ll have when you next see her,” I continued. “God will give her breath again someday. And this time, you’ll be together forever.” “It’ll be even better than before,” said Melissa, smiling through her tears.

“Much better.” You’re right, Melissa, I thought to myself.

It will be even better than before.

Arlene R. Taylor