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“Thanks For The Memories”

Bob Hope, the favorite comedian of both service men and Presidents, passed away just a few months following his 100th birthday in 2003. This star of vaudeville, radio, television, and movies was our nation’s most honored comedian and master of the one-liner. Born Leslie Towns Hope on May 29, 1903, in Eltham, England. He was the 5th of 7 sons; at the age of 4, he and his family emigrated to the U.S. during the 1907 depression. To help out, Hope sold newspapers, worked in a shoe store, drug store, meat market, and as a caddy. For a time, he even boxed under the name of “Packy East.” Regarding his short boxing career, he once stated, “I was on more canvases than Picasso.”

We remember this legend of entertainment for so many reasons: The “Road” movies with Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour; Holiday specials with such greats as Jack Benny, Milton Berle, and George Burns; Hosting the Oscars – especially for the meaningful song, “Thanks for the Memories.”

The desire for a person or event to be remembered is quite ancient. We remember that God rested on the 7th day, blessed it, and sanctified it (Genesis 2:2-3); God would later command the Jewish people to “Remember the Sabbath day….” (Exodus 20:8). Job exclaimed, “….That You would set a limit for me and remember me!” (Job 14:13 NASB). David asked the Lord, “According to Your mercy remember me….” (Psalm 25:7). Even the thief on the cross wanted to be remembered, as he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Luke 23:42).

God wants to be remembered (Deuteronomy 8:11). And to help man’s memory, God has often provided appropriate pictures – the rainbow (Genesis 9:8-17); the Passover (Exodus 12:14); the 12 memorial stones of deliverance (Joshua 4:1-24); the “Ebenezer” stone (1 Samuel 7:12). But the greatest memorial of all is the living memorial as we partake of the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-29). Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19).

Remembering Bob Hope for making us laugh, and singing, “Thanks for the Memories,” may be important, but of far greater importance, let us remember God for saving our souls, and praising Him by saying, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).