Introduction: The Past That Haunts Us
The past has a way of resurfacing when we least expect it. Whether it’s memories of lost loved ones, unresolved pain, or past mistakes, it can feel like no matter how much we try to move forward, something pulls us back. The weight of old regrets, fears, and grief can be paralyzing, making it difficult to embrace the future that lies ahead.
This week’s Reed’s Reads of Wisdom Wednesdays takes inspiration from Chapter 7: "Memories of the Living Dead" in Book I of S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™. In this gripping chapter, Kevin Edwards (Angelo), Juanita Grayson (Angeline), and Melanie come face-to-face with the horrifying reality of the past coming back to life—literally. Their battle is not just against Plague, the villain responsible for resurrecting the dead, but against their own emotions as they confront painful memories.
Their experience teaches us a powerful truth: when the past resurfaces, we can either allow it to haunt us, or we can confront it, learn from it, and move forward.
The Past Will Always Try to Resurface
In Memories of the Living Dead, Kevin, Juanita, and Melanie witness something terrifying—Plague has raised the dead, reanimating corpses to serve her dark purpose. This moment is chilling not just because of the physical threat but because it forces the characters to face painful memories. Melanie, in particular, is shaken when she sees her family—her parents and sister—among the undead.
This scene is a powerful metaphor for how the past can come back to haunt us. Just when we think we’ve moved on, an old wound reopens. Perhaps it’s a painful memory, a toxic relationship that resurfaces, or guilt over something we cannot change.
But God reminds us that we are not meant to be bound by our past.Isaiah 43:18-19 (NKJV) encourages us:"Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
The enemy wants us to stay trapped in the past, but God calls us forward.
Fear Is the Real Enemy
One of the most gripping moments in this chapter is Melanie’s reaction to seeing her family among the undead. Instead of fighting, she freezes—paralyzed by grief and disbelief. Angelo, seeing her hesitation, reminds her of the truth:"These people are already dead, Melanie, and we’re going to be just like them if you don’t help me."
Melanie’s reaction is one we can all relate to. How often do we allow fear to paralyze us? Whether it’s fear of failure, fear of the unknown, or fear of confronting painful emotions, it can stop us from moving forward. But as Angelo reminds Melanie, inaction can be just as dangerous as the threat itself.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) tells us:"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
God does not want us to live in fear. Like Kevin and Juanita, we must push past the fear and take action.
Holding On to What’s Already Gone
Melanie’s deepest struggle isn’t just the battle—it’s the emotional turmoil of seeing her family and believing, even for a moment, that they might still be saved. She desperately wants to reach them, to call them back to life, even when she knows it’s impossible.
How often do we do the same? We hold on to things that God has already asked us to release. We cling to past relationships, past versions of ourselves, or past mistakes because letting go feels too painful.
But Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (NKJV) reminds us:"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die."
There is a time to grieve, but there is also a time to move forward.
Not Every Battle Can Be Won by Strength Alone
As the battle intensifies, Angelo and Angeline realize that this isn’t a fight they can win with brute force alone. Plague’s undead soldiers move in unexpected ways—some at unnatural speeds, others with eerie spider-like movements. This forces them to change tactics.
This is an important lesson in spiritual warfare. Not every battle we face in life can be fought with sheer willpower. Some battles require wisdom, patience, and faith. Proverbs 24:6 (NKJV) tells us:"For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, and in a multitude of counselors there is safety."
When we face challenges, we must ask ourselves: Are we fighting the right way? Are we relying on God’s wisdom, or are we simply trying to power through on our own?
Overcoming Guilt and Grief: The Hardest Fight
Even after the battle is over, Melanie’s true struggle is just beginning. Seeing her family—even as reanimated corpses—has reopened the wound of losing them. She never got to say goodbye. That grief doesn’t disappear just because the fight is over.
This teaches us an important truth: sometimes, the hardest battles are the ones inside us.
Psalm 34:18 (NKJV) reassures us:"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit."
Healing takes time. Just as Melanie must process her pain, we, too, must allow God to heal us in His perfect timing.
Lessons from “Memories of the Living Dead”
The past will always try to resurface, but we have the power to decide how we respond.
Fear can paralyze us, but faith pushes us forward.
Not everything is meant to be held onto—some things must be released for us to grow.
We need wisdom, faith, and support to fight life’s biggest battles.
Grief is a battle of its own, but God brings healing in His perfect time.
Reflection Questions
Are there things from your past that still hold you back?
How do you respond when faced with fear?
What is God asking you to release so you can move forward?
How can you support someone who is battling grief or regret?
Final Thought: Moving Forward with Faith
Angelo, Angeline and Melanie’s journey in Memories of the Living Dead is more than just a fight against zombies—it’s a fight against the past, against fear, and against the emotions that threaten to consume them. Their story reminds us that, no matter what we face, we are not bound by what has been. We serve a God who calls us forward, not backward.
Isaiah 41:13 (NKJV) declares:"For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’"
No matter what ghosts of the past try to haunt you, remember:✨ You are not alone. You are not meant to stay where you were. You are meant to rise, to heal, and to move forward. ✨
Want to dive deeper into the battles of Angelo, Angeline, and Melanie?
📖 Read more in Books I and II of S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™.🔗 Get your copies today: www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/the-shop.
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