Whom we follow says much about who we are becoming. When Jesus said to the disciples, "Follow me", they made the most important decision of their lives.
This sermon, on Memorial Weekend, seeks to have us think about how we remember the people who have had influence over us. Sometimes the people we revere take us in some dangerous or destructive directions. We can think about and remember people who have been a bad influence on us and we can get lost in our effort to focus on their influence.
For example, Charles Manson spent his life thinking about a mother who really wanted nothing to do with him. The result was his need to assemble a group of psychotic people into a "family" he could manipulate into murder and mayhem. Since he received no love from his mother he surrounded himself with women whom he dominated and controlled with his hypnotic power. He killed Sharon Tate and her unborn child and several others who were living in that house. Then they murdered another couple.
Charles Manson's life of crime and serial murder was initiated by his searching for a mother who would not love him. He had a compelling and controlling personality and had formed professional relationships with the musical group the Beach Boys, and Doris Day's son.
Because of his obsession with his mother his tragic life became even more sad and impacted many others. He was convicted and will spend the rest of his life in prison.
Whom we remember and how we remember them will determine who we are and how we will live. What are some of the positive memories you have and who are some of the important, helpful influences in your life?
Whose memory do you hold onto to the point of "following them"?
If yo have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts with the readers of the blog click on the 'comments' box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
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