Core memories

Pastoral Messages | July 18, 2024

If you haven’t seen “Inside Out” or “Inside Out 2,” I would highly recommend it. I recently asked my mom to go see the second one with me in theaters and it had quite a powerful take on anxiety and how our emotions work in our minds and bodies.  

Riley, the main character, is now attending high school and soon finds she must learn how to manage the new emotions that come with that change. In the first movie, there is a lot of focus on what Riley’s “core memories” are and how those core memories are created and influence our thoughts and actions. These are the memories that help define us. Some are our happiest, most proud moments that we look back on fondly, some may be tinged with more sadness or grief. In the second movie, there are a few of these shown as well.  

Each time I watch “Inside Out” it makes me think back on what my core memories might be. One of my favorites is going to Veterans Memorial Park with my family when I was younger. My dad would sing “I believe I can fly” while all five of us would swing together. I don’t think he was aware, but I would dream my biggest on the swings; dreams about who I would be one day and all the amazing things I would do. And that song allowed me to believe they would all come true.  

Many of my core memories are filled with family. As I continue to grow up and become the young adult I am, this looks different. It’s harder to see extended family when we’re all so busy. My siblings and I all live in different places, making getting even the five of us together more difficult. I’ve learned to cherish the time we do get to spend together and make the most of every minute.  

My favorite reminder that “Inside Out 2” gave me is that I am still making core memories. No matter how young or how old we are, our memories will last. I look toward the future with hope and joy knowing that some of my best days are yet to come. Take a little time to think about your core memories and dream your biggest about what’s still to come. 

-Maddy Carroll, director of children’s ministries

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