As women, it is easy to be consumed with life's affairs. After all, women wear a number of hats. We're wives, mothers, doctors, pastors, ministers and the list goes on and on. Yet, I cannot help but ask this question, "Have we forgotten to remember?" Have we forgotten our purpose and the desire to remember one another?" It's easy to get caught up with our own challenges, that we step over and sometimes, on top of the next person. We become insensitive and judgmental. We begin to throw our empty promises like, "Well, you know where I am if you need me sister." Sure, but do you know where I am, the one who is in need? We tend to forget our testimony, in pursuit of other things. I began to contemplate, "Oh how we need more Ruth's." You see, Ruth remembered. She suffered a great loss with the death of her husband, just like Naomi, but she chose to remember Naomi. She put action behind her words. She was committed to serving Naomi in her time of distress. This type of commitment birthed opportunity in the life of Ruth, which ultimately led to her redemption. (Read the book of Ruth) Likewise, Jesus Christ Himself, is committed to serving us. In all His traveling, His destination was the cross, a horrific death. Yet, Jesus was never too busy to reach out and touch His people. Are we committed to Him and His purpose for us? Have you forgotten to remember?

A certain man prepared a feast, a great banquet, and invited many guests. He sent his servant to tell those who were invited, "Come for everything is ready." The master gave much attention, not only to the numerous delicacies, but to his prized guest list, as well. To the master's surprise, all that he invited, with one accord, began to make excuses. Can you imagine wanting to have a feat, to throw a party and on one showing up? Best friend just got married, mom and dad are on vacation and your neighbor just bought a new car and needs to wash it. All made excuses. How would you feel? Would you cry, demand they come or would you be angry? Indeed, the master of this particular house was furious. So he did something most of us would never consider. He stepped out of his comfort zone; I call it, "The Known Zone"; and stretched beyond his inner circle. He simply changed his guest list. In Luke 14, the master then said to his servant, "Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town, and bring in the poor, the crippled, and the blind and the lame." (NIV) This man left the known zone and ventured into the unknown zone. This is where ministry really begins. Not be remaining within our inner circle. Thin about it, we are to save the lost, not the ones already saved! To evangelize the world!

It's easy to fellowship and minister to those who are most like us. But is this real ministry? Have we forgotten about our purpose as the church--to evangelize the world? In Luke chapter 23, as Jesus hung on the cross between two criminals, one spoke from the head, and the other from the heart saying, "Lord remember me..." In other words, he was asking the question, "Will you remember me?" I know I am not worthy and I can't justify my wrong, but I recognize and acknowledge this, so will you remember me? Will you remember when you felt lonely? Will you remember when your spouse left you, with debt and mouths to feed? Will you remember that unspoken mistake you made? And after you have remembered, will you then remember me? My friends, remembering causes you to be moved. Moved with forgiveness and moved with compassion. There are people all over the world crying out, "Remember me!"

Jacqueline is married to Elder Owensby and they have two beautiful children. They plan to make their home in Virginia. Jackie's heart is ministering to women, and teaching them godly principles, that will cause a change in their lives. If you would like to write Jackie, please email her at EVE.