There are several “defining” moments in our lives. Moments that we will remember regardless of where we are or what we have become. In my life, when these moments have occurred, I often wish that I would have better memorialized it. I know that in the old testament, whenever God would do something great for his people, they would remember it by doing something simple. They made an altar out of rocks. That’s it. It doesn’t seem that technical, but it was effective. And, back then, the population being what it was, you didn’t have to worry about people coming and developing land and mowing over this precious site.

Today, though, it’s easier to remember. In my office I have a picture of Times Square in New York. The caption reads, “Times Square, 1942.”



I love the picture. An obviously cold and misty night where bundled up people were going to the movies during a time when the world was at war. I like seeing people trying to retain a sense of normalcy in this otherwise chaotic world. It’s a nice reminder of the resilience and determination that people have. Honestly, it’s nice to look at.

But, then I looked a bit more closely.

The movies showing are Battleground and The Third Man. The Musical listed at the top of the picture is Kiss Me Kate. Hmmm…America has just joined the war and already in 1942 they have a movie out about the war? I don’t think so. So, I did some research. Both The Third Man and Battleground debuted in 1949. Kiss me Kate won 5 Tony Awards in 1949. So…the date of this picture is actually - 1949.

Wow. I’ve been duped. Here I have a picture of people I admire doing something I think is very brave and truly ‘American.’ But, this new information changes everything. It’s not a picture of the American spirit battling tyranny and oppression through economic capitalism. It’s just a bunch of people going to the movies in Times Square. (which may really by the true American spirit…entertainment at any cost.)

Defining moments need to be remembered. We need to do something in the moment to remember the moment. If we try to symbolize the moment 30+years later, then we might be remembering something that may make us feel good, but won’t necessarily be the whole truth. Just some thoughts…Oh well…the picture is still nice to look at.