Sing a Song

For some of you, the headline above, ‘Sing a Song’ may trigger your musical memory. Do you have it? I’m guessing that you probably haven’t heard Earth, Wind, and Fire’s 1976 hit in a while but it’ll get your to tapping, and I suspect you’ll sing along. Caution: it may cause an earworm, but it’s a happy one!

Isn’t it amazing how we can recall the lyrics to a song from 1976, even when we haven’t heard that particular tune in ages? It’s the repetition of having heard it many times and singing along. 

Repetition helps us to remember and to learn. Repeating and reinforcing information you want to retain in long-term memory is a necessity.  

Repetition creates long term memory by eliciting or enacting strong chemical interactions at the synapse (connections) of your neurons (brain cells). Repetition creates the strongest learning—and most learning—both implicit (like tying your shoes) and explicit (multiplication tables) relies on repetition.

Writing something down also helps to remember it.  Studies suggest that the act of physically writing things down on paper is associated with more robust brain activation in multiple areas and better memory recall.

Want to remember it?

    Say Scripture. Repeat Scripture. Write Scripture.

    Repetition and writing can help kids (and adults) memorize scripture.  We want to remember scripture because it gives us a better understanding of God and his will, can keep us from sinning, helps us make wise decisions, increases our faith, and is a weapon against spiritual attacks.

    There are many tools to help us store scripture in our hearts and minds. Explore some of theses ways for yourself and your children.

    Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

    Colossians 3:16

    In Christ,

    Peggy Kelly
    Family Ministry Director
    Community Congregational Church

    Posted in Family Ministry, Resources, Spiritual Formation and tagged , , , , , , ,

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