What can you remember from years gone by? I admit every once in awhile I have a picture flash across my memory. Caused by a smell, or a series of events that link to the picture, or a voice, or . . .
But, what makes certain word phrases stick?
I suppose repetition. I have Bible verses memorized that just come back. It took a while to learn them but I’m not sure I’ll ever lose them. My mother, who has Alzheimer’s, still can recite verses once a phrase is presented to her.
I suppose music. When I hear a chord progression or a lyric line, the words flood back. This also relates to poetry, which has a rhythmic feel to it. Again, Alzheimer’s doesn’t erase that ability!
I suppose fear. When I was young I need to know my phone number, just in case. I can still recite one – 692-6833. That was in my early elementary years.
I suppose hope. When a vision has been cast, whether for church, work or personal – I remember the phrases. One church I was in used four words – Connect, Grow, Reach, Serve.
I suppose simple. I remember short acronyms that roll out into phrases. SGI – Small Group Initiatives. AMP – Autonomy, Mastery, Purpose.
What helps you to remember?