The Memory Project
My family and I love the holidays. There are a lot of us and we tend to talk loud, laugh big and create new memories every year. One of my favorite things to do is sit with my family and loved ones and reminisce about holidays gone by, loved ones who may be gone but are never forgotten, favorite meals and gifts. And of course, we can’t forget those things that at the time seemed like huge tragedies – the turkey falling onto the floor, the table collapsing and taking the meal with it, Uncle George falling into the tree – that often end up being the ones that make you laugh the hardest over the years.
I was inspired by this gift of sharing, and by my new novel, The Memory Quilt, to create the Memory Project. Here is a space for all of you to reflect on your families’ special holiday memories and share them with us. You also have the option to send your family members and loved ones an eCard notifying them that you’ve shared your memory of them, and inviting them to join in the fun! This year I have heard from so many people who are feeling guilt over not being able to indulge as they are used to in the material aspect that has come to surround the Christmas season. I think it’s important that we all remember that the holidays are not about presents, tinsel, or even food. While all of that is nice, the holidays are really about showing love for one another and being surrounded by family and friends. The economy is making things tough for all of us, but that might not be a bad thing in the long-term. Now is the perfect time to step back and reassess what Christmas has become in our families. What traditions we are passing on to the next generations, what memories are we creating today that our children and grandchildren will be discussing long after we have passed? Will they be talking about that iPod you bought them, or about the impromptu football game in the backyard? I challenge you to create wonderful memories this year, and I look forward to reading about some of your favorite holiday memories!
Happy Holidays and God Bless!
Bishop Jakes
PS - I’m disabling comments on this entry, as I really do want to have everyone help us build our virtual “memory quilt” with this Memory Project. Please follow the links and join us over there. 
