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Blog Post Sermon: “Cherishing Moments: Memory, Color, and the Power of Joy in God’s Creation”

In the song “It’s Great to Know,” we are drawn into an intimate reflection on memory, emotion, and the power of simple moments to transform our lives. The imagery of colors—blue turning to red—and the emotional weight of cherishing these memories speak to the human experience of holding onto moments of joy and allowing them to shape how we view our lives. The song also explores how fleeting experiences can grow into lasting stories, passed down through generations, and how the color and mood of life can shift, turning sadness into joy.

This song invites us to reflect on Christian Libertarian Ideology, modern human perspectives on memory and emotion, and how Scripture encourages us to cherish the moments God gives us. It reminds us that the beauty of life lies not only in grand experiences but in the small, quiet moments that we can hold onto and find meaning in.

The Power of Simple Joy and the Upside-Down Room

“It’s great to know that you can smile that big
Simple word has turned this room upside down
And you’re blue.”

The opening lines of the song express the power of a simple moment of joy—the kind of joy that can transform the atmosphere around us. A simple word or smile can take what feels like a “blue” or sad moment and turn it upside down, filling the space with laughter and happiness. The upside-down room is a metaphor for how unexpected joy can disrupt our expectations and change our perspective, even when we are feeling down or discouraged.

In Christian Libertarian thought, the ability to find joy in small moments speaks to the freedom we have in God to embrace life’s simple pleasures. We are not bound by the weight of the world’s pressures or our circumstances, but rather, we are free to find joy in the everyday moments that God blesses us with. Philippians 4:4 encourages us, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” This verse reminds us that joy is a choice, a response to God’s goodness that we can embrace in every situation.

From a modern human perspective, many people are overwhelmed by the busyness of life, often missing the small moments of joy that can make a difference. The song’s message of cherishing these simple moments serves as a reminder to slow down, to notice the smiles and laughter around us, and to allow those moments to transform our outlook.

Cherishing Memories and the Fantasy of the Past

“I can let this memory be a fantasy in my head
I will let it grow into stories that pass so far down
And you’re blue is red.”

The song also reflects on the power of memory—how we can take a moment from the past and allow it to grow into something even more meaningful. The idea of letting a memory become a “fantasy” speaks to the way we often cherish and hold onto memories, allowing them to shape our narrative and become part of the stories we tell ourselves and others. The transformation of “blue” into “red” represents a shift from sadness or melancholy to passion, warmth, and joy.

In Christian thought, memory plays a crucial role in our spiritual lives. The Bible often encourages us to remember God’s faithfulness and the blessings He has provided. Deuteronomy 8:2 says, “Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart.” Just as the Israelites were called to remember God’s provision, we are called to cherish the memories of God’s work in our lives, allowing those memories to inspire us and remind us of His goodness.

The transformation of “blue” into “red” also reflects the Christian theme of redemption—how God can take our sadness, pain, and regret and turn it into something beautiful. Isaiah 61:3 speaks of God giving us “a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” Our memories, even of difficult times, can become testimonies of God’s grace and transformation.

The Silhouette and the Quilt: Holding Onto What Is Near

“It’s great to stare upon the silhouette of you
Whilst lying on my mother’s quilt in this afternoon
Around you, blue.”

The image of staring at someone’s silhouette while lying on a quilt evokes a sense of comfort, peace, and intimacy. The “mother’s quilt” represents something warm, familiar, and grounding—a symbol of love passed down through generations. In this peaceful moment, the singer finds joy and contentment in simply being present with someone they love, surrounded by the calmness of the afternoon.

In Christian Libertarian Ideology, the freedom to be present, to enjoy the moment without being consumed by external pressures, is a valuable expression of our individual liberty. We are free to cherish these small moments of peace and connection, recognizing that they are gifts from God. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 reminds us, “I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.” This verse emphasizes the beauty of finding satisfaction and joy in the present moment, in the simple pleasures of life.

From a modern human perspective, the image of the quilt also speaks to the importance of tradition, family, and the connections that keep us grounded. The fast-paced nature of modern life often pulls us away from these foundational elements, but the song encourages us to hold onto the things that bring us peace and comfort, even if they are as simple as lying on a quilt and enjoying an afternoon with someone we love.

The Color Blue and the Transformation of Emotion

“And you’re blue is red.”

The repeated imagery of “blue” throughout the song represents sadness, melancholy, or reflection. However, the transformation of blue into red suggests a shift in emotion—from sadness to passion, from coldness to warmth. This transformation speaks to the way our emotions can change over time, especially when we allow ourselves to be open to joy, connection, and love.

In Scripture, the transformation of emotion is often tied to our relationship with God. Psalm 30:11 says, “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.” This verse reminds us that God is the one who transforms our sadness into joy, who takes our sorrow and replaces it with gladness. The song reflects this transformation, reminding us that even when we feel blue, there is the potential for joy and warmth to emerge.

Conclusion: Cherishing Moments, Embracing Joy, and Trusting God’s Transforming Power

“It’s Great to Know” is a song that invites us to reflect on the simple, beautiful moments in life that bring joy, comfort, and peace. It speaks to the power of memory, the transformation of emotions, and the importance of being present with the people we love. The song reminds us that even in times of sadness or uncertainty, God is at work, transforming our emotions and giving us reasons to rejoice.

From a Christian Libertarian perspective, the song highlights the freedom we have to embrace joy and cherish the moments God gives us. We are free to find meaning in the small, quiet experiences of life, knowing that God’s presence is woven into every detail. As we hold onto these memories and allow them to grow, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness and the joy that comes from trusting in His goodness.

Let us remember the words of Psalm 118:24: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Each day, each moment, is a gift from God. Let us cherish the memories, embrace the joy, and trust that God is always transforming our lives for the better.

Amen.

It’s great to know that you can smile that big Simple word has turned this room upside
Down And you’re blue
I keep on laughing, I’m a cherish that place A memory locked in my brain within an upside down room
And you’re blue

I can let this memory be a fantasy in my head I will let it grow into stories that pass so far down
And you’re blue is red
It’s great to stare upon the silhouette of you Whilst lying on my mother’s quilt in this afternoon
Around you, blue

Just keep on laughing, I’m a cherish that place These memories locked in my brain of this cloudless afternoon
Only blue
I can let this memory be a fantasy in my head I will let it grow into stories that pass so far down
And you’re blue is red

As Always, God Bless,

James Arthur Ferguson