Funeral

We come together today in the shadow of sorrow and grief, and yet we realize the glorious light, the greatest hope, that the world has ever known. The promise of an eternal life for the faithful Christian. There are many wonderful memories that shine out this day like the stars in the night sky. Let us hold to them instead of the sorrow, for it is our memories that give us comfort and carries us through our lifetime

There are many occasions that draw people together, but none affect us more than the loss of, a mother, a grandmother,, a great grandmother, a family member, a friend and a faithful Christian woman. We gather today to remember ----- and the treasured times that we drew from her love, strength and encouragement. In this, all gathered here today extend to her family love, sympathy and compassion. We weep together in our grief.

In Times like this we turn to the only place that we can find genuine comfort, The Word of God. I believe that ----- would echo the words of Paul as he wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:6-8 -I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

It is a fact that all of us will suffer death. Every child and adult that is here today, Unless the Lord comes, will someday come face to face with death. What we do with our lives while living here on earth will determine our destination at the judgement.

2 Corinthians 5:10-

10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Today we are not here to mourn the loss of a loved one but to rejoice that she has run her race and her reward awaits.

In reality, none can preach our funeral; we preach our own funerals while we live.

------ will always be a part of those lives he touched. I feel the writer of Proverbs speaks of her life very well:

Proverbs 31:10-31

10 A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her

and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax

and works with eager hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships,

bringing her food from afar.

15 She gets up while it is still night;

she provides food for her family

and portions for her female servants.

16 She considers a field and buys it;

out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She sets about her work vigorously;

her arms are strong for her tasks.

18 She sees that her trading is profitable,

and her lamp does not go out at night.

19 In her hand she holds the distaff

and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20 She opens her arms to the poor

and extends her hands to the needy.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;

for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22 She makes coverings for her bed;

she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,

where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,

and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;

she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She speaks with wisdom,

and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:

29 “Many women do noble things,

but you surpass them all.”

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,

and let her works bring her praise at the city gate

This beautiful poem says a lot about the Life of a Christian woman :

---- was TRUSTWORTHY and DEPENDABLE, filled with AN ENDURING LOVE, INDUSTRIOUS, COMPASSIONATE, she SPOKE WORDS OF WISDOM & KINDNESS, She DILIGENTLY SAW TO THE NEEDS OF HER FAMILY and SHE FEARED Her God and kept His commands.

The love---- had for her family was apparent and she also included that love to her church family. My family has always felt like part of the --------- family because she imparted to each person what you needed, love, encouragement and she shared her faith openly and lovingly with all her friends.