Funeral Service For A Christian Acquaintance

Funeral Service for a Christian Acquaintance

Riser/Welcome Home Cemetery - December 9th, 2014

Song 1: "Somewhere My Love"

Welcome & Thanks to friends

Obituary

*We are gathered together today in loving memory of Mrs. Martha Lord Wright. Mrs. Martha was born on February 22, 1927, at Baskin, Louisiana. And she went home to be with the Lord early last Saturday morning, at the age of 87.

*Mrs. Martha was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She was loved by everyone who knew her. Her personality was one of love and devotion to her family. Everyone who knew her truly loved her, and she will never be forgotten.

*Martha was preceded in death by her husband James Edward McDowell, her nephew Stanley Gebbia, and by three brothers: Raymond, Lindy and Mike Lord.

*Left to cherish a lifetime of memories her son: Mitchell McDowell and wife Irina of Metarie, LA, her sister: Lovie L. Gebbia and husband Charles of Oak Ridge, Louisiana, and her granddaughter: Karina Mambetova of Metarie.

Scripture: The Word of God is our best source for comfort in times like this, and this morning I would like to read the 23rd Psalm, because it is the Scripture that meant the most to me when my mother passed away.

Psalm 23:1-6

1. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

3. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.

4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.

6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

Prayer

Song 2: "The Old Rugged Cross"

Message:

*Mitch wrote an excellent tribute about his mother, and he began by saying that she was "strong willed, but compassionate and considerate to others. Mom always had an open door to her home and heart; generous, charitable 'to a fault' with any and all, placing others' feelings before and over her own.

*She was firm, committed to her faith and trust in the Lord, never wavering in her belief that 'all is well and under control,' because Jesus paid the price for transgressions.

*I do not say these words lightly or for the sake of promoting my mom for 'sainthood,' or simply because she is no longer with us. I certainly do not say this because she is my mother. I say without prejudice these considerably short points as it would take volumes to express her kindness, selflessness, devotion, faith, and greater love of God and fellow man.

*She regarded others as friends whether they reciprocated or not, giving without expectations or thought for self. Most folks who had contact with her have only positive thoughts. Many have cherished thoughts of her. Those who REALLY knew her had a great love for her.

*She always professed that "GOD IS LOVE". She loved unconditionally.

*We all have lost a wonderful mother, sister, relative, and true friend in this life. I know she is in Heaven; no doubt. We will miss her here; pray that we join her there.

*So many folks have said such compliments about mom: The hospital staff of West Monroe and Rayville, the caring staff at Colonial Manor Rehab, and the people of the communities. Almost all related the words, 'What a sweet lady,' even after having known her for brief times, under unfathomable health circumstances."

*I want to add a few more good words about your mom. I only got to meet her a couple of times. When I first walked into her room she was asleep, but they said it was okay to wake her up. And when I spoke to Mrs. Martha, she opened her eyes with a big smile on her face. That surprised me, coming from someone as sick as she was, but Mrs. Martha had God's peace that passes understanding, and the radiant joy of Jesus Christ.

*She welcomed me into her room as a gracious host would welcome someone into their home. And though we were strangers, she treated me like a long-time friend. She strongly affirmed her faith in Jesus Christ, and we had prayer together. I walked away from that hospital visit greatly encouraged by Martha.

*Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you today. It is very hard to lose our sister, mother and grandmother, especially someone like Martha Wright. But I urge you to take your hurt to Jesus. In 1 Peter 5:7, the Bible tells us to cast all our cares on God, because He cares for us. God really does love us.