“At the chapel, he began consoling the
mourners, just as he had imagined. Those he embraced, inhaled alcohol fumes and
did their best to ignore it. Compassion rules at funerals. Everyone is sorry.
Everyone walks on eggshells, chooses their words carefully, feigns interest to
cover boredom and whitewashes judgment with mercy. Everyone is concerned. The
alcohol was losing its grip and so was David.”
- Loathe Your Neighbor ch. 21
A friend of mine died last month, three
weeks after he was diagnosed with lung cancer. Still in shock, we, his friends
and family attended what was called a “celebration service”. I was heavy
hearted as I parked my car and walked to the main entrance of the chapel where
the service was to be held. A jazz band was playing out the front as a crowd
lined up to sign the condolence book and enter. The chapel was full: all seats
and standing points around the walls were taken. The hall took the overflow.
The service was filled with laughter as we remembered a beautiful man of God
who lived to show God’s grace to others. He knew why he had been born and where
he was going when the job was done. I have never left a “funeral” feeling so
inspired, almost happy. Sure we will all miss him but what a wonderful legacy
he has left. What a wonderful picture of God’s love in life and in death. We
have this hope, as Christians, that because Christ rose from the grave, and we
believe in his resurrection power, we too will live forever. I know why some
funerals I have been to were so depressing. No hope. Do you have hope for life
after death?
Sorry for the loss of your friend. Sounds like a beautiful service though.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tracy. It was.
DeleteI'm sorry about your friend. A jazz band is a lovely touch for a memorial service, I think.
ReplyDeleteJenny at Choice City Native
Jazz won't be my choice. I'm a metal head. I wonder how that would go dwon with attendees at my funeral.
DeleteSo sorry about your friend, David. The service sounds remarkable. The focus on loss has always been difficult for me to understand. Funerals rarely bring closure, they only bring more pain. I've been to many, including my parents', where the time spent remembering is mired in tacit acceptance that the loved one or friend is gone forever. This seems so wrong. The individual's legacy—and the key word here is legacy—is all but ignored in the pall of mourning. It seems an utter violation of faith.
ReplyDeleteWell said. I've been to funerals like that as well. Most of them have been like that which is why I was so blown away by this one.
DeleteSorry for your loss! Great post! I am glad you were able to find peace with his passing though in knowing the outcome! Thanks for sharing and good luck this month!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dusty, for the comment and the visit. I appreciate it.
Delete