Unexpected Funeral Attendance

This evening, I unexpectedly attended a funeral service at a church I haven't visited in a long time. The last time I attended a funeral, I was seven years old.


This morning, when I woke up, I decided to go to the prayer service that is usually held on a Tuesday evening at this particular church. Unbeknownst to me, there was to be a funeral for one of its members. I actually dressed in a black top and black slacks with a set of pearls (to add color...) for work this morning.


So, when I walked through the doors of the church, I immediately sensed a somber mood. Then, I noticed the attire of the people in the hallways. Usually, on a Tuesday evening, some people would dress down and not wear formal attire, or their "Sunday's best." It was not the case this evening. Mostly everyone was dressed in black. I saw a woman standing by the security desk and kindly asked her what was going on. She informed me that one of the church's elders passed away.

I was contemplating whether I should stay or go. She welcomed me to stay at the funeral. I confided in her that it was my first time back to the church since the summertime. "Welcome back," she said. She had a warm smile, but I could tell she was grieving. She had mentioned that she grew up with the deceased while they worked at the church together over the years.



There was a television screen that portrayed his photo with details of his birth date and the day he passed away, which was last week Thursday. So, on Thursday, March 20, 2014, while I was heading to work, and running errands, this man breathed his last breath (along with others who didn't get to see Friday, March 21, 2014).



Even though I didn't know this man, he had an effect on my left. Life is short. I'm not scared or anything, but I've come to understand that life is short, and the time is now to love the people in your life, do the things that you always wanted to do - whether that is to write a book, get married, have children, or whatever God is calling you to do! There's no time like today, right now. This time is all you've got! What are you going to do about it?I'm not saying you should rush into something because of the brevity of time, but consider how best to maximize the use of your time. Stop going on Facebook or other social media sites to read the same posts over and over again while hitting the refresh button. Do something useful with your time? Spend time with God. That's who we will return to at the end of our lives. Like it or not, 100 years from now, those who are alive today will not be alive (except for the few outliers who will live past 100 years and reach 120 years max). I don't mean to be somber, but attending the funeral was a reality check for me.



As I joined the line entering the main seating area, the woman who was standing by the desk, came beside me, took my hand, and spoke with the security guard to escort me to a seat. He asked if I was a family member, and I shook my head. The woman spoke softly to him and said, "Let her sit down." I bypassed the people on the line as he led me to sit in the middle of the church. I have to admit I felt a bit guilty. So, I decided to sit in the back row instead.




So, here I was, listening to the beautiful hymns sung by the choir joined by some of the members of the audience; here I was, listening to a beautiful poem; here I was, trying to see if I can get a glimpse of the casket which held the remains of a man who was once alive; and, here I was alive. Still alive. Breathing. I didn't know how much I cherished being alive. We don't know exactly for sure how life will be like after we die, but I do know one thing (and I'm fully convinced of it): My Savior Jesus Christ will carry me in His arms. That's my hope. That's what keeps me alive.


I'd like to share the two poems I read in the program. They deeply touched my heart.




Poem #1: A Letter From Heaven - Ruth Ann Mahaffey




To my dearest family, some things Id like to say.

But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from heaven.

Here I dwell with God above.

Here, there's no more tears of sadness;

Here is just eternal love.




Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.

Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.

God picked me up and hugged me and He said, I welcome you.

Its good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.

As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on.




I need you here so badly, you are part of my plan.

There is so much that we can do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.

And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.

And when you lie in bed at night the days chores put to flight.

God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.




When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.

Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.

But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.

Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.

If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.




But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.

I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;

But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy and Id like it for you too;

That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.




If you can help somebody who is in sorrow and pain;

Then you can say to God at night....My day was not in vain.

And now I am contented... that my life was worthwhile.

Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;

Just lend a hand to pick them up, as on your way you go.




When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind;

I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when its time for you to go...from that body to be free.

Remember you're not going...you're coming here to me.




Poem #2: The Dash Poem




Thanks for reading this rather long blog post. May you take charge and don't let time pass you by. Love the people you encounter. Do something. Anything -- that will help mankind to be better off than when you first came into being. Smile. Laugh. Enjoy life. This is the only time you've got. Make the best of it.




God bless.


Original Post Date: 3/25/2014