As a pastor, you get invited into the most poignant moments of people’s lives. Whether it’s a wedding or a funeral or a hospital visit, you get invited into the center of the event, whether or not you know the people.
Rob Bell
Tag Archives: funerals
Something About A Southern Funeral
I am in Thomaston, Georgia for the funeral of my aunt Dorothy or “Dot” as she was known by family and friends. We got here around 6:15 after enduring the awful Atlanta, Georgia traffic which is notoriously horrible.
When we got to my aunt’s house tonight we were greeted by family who were sure to feed us in the tradition of many families around the world when there is a death in the family. Now in the south it’s about fried chicken, the sides and deserts. Food is synonymous with coming together as family to remember and to reconnect. In the south when you are sick or a family member passes traditionally ones community comes to the side of those who survive. Gifts of food among other things are offered to ease the loss. Blessed are those who mourn as it says in scripture.
You know it shouldn’t take death to bring people back together in times like this. However for many family comes with complications that unfortunately cannot be overcome even in the passing of a loved one.
Dot’s funeral is on a Saturday in January at her church where she was a member for a very long time. This is the same church where her mother, my great-grandmother’s funeral was held fourteen years ago.
Her devotion to God was/is shown by her hospitality and love for family and friends. She lived a great life, a long life, a life that will be remembered.
A funeral is more than mourning the dead it can be a family reunion too. Sometimes that family is biological or chosen from your tribe of friends. It’s amazing how you can reconnect and renew the ties of family that bind you.
I know that Dot is with her mother, father, brother and sister in the company of saints above. For me I am grateful of these people’s impact on my life and how I know that life does go on in the hearts and minds who continue a legacy.
A quote I like is “Live your life so the preacher won’t have to lie at your funeral” so for Dot she has nothing to worry about.
Death Is Life
As you get older in life you realize your own mortality and the mortality of those who you love and admire. No one lives forever and because of that fact you will make visits to funeral homes and the like more often. You will also go to funerals of people have known for years and for just a little while. Over the years I have paid my respects to many special people who are now in the company of saints. Death is a part of life and there are different ways to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on. Some who pass on you expect to because of natural causes or declining health while others die unexpectedly. No matter the circumstances there is shock, pain and great sadness that goes along with the whole experience of someone leaving this life, this world. It was not my intent to be morbid or sad here but to share some experiences of a person who loves many and has hated to see them go on to eternity and to be with their creator. Death is life or its a part of it anyway.
The Tony Burgess Blog 