Funeral Service
Elderly lady that was a very faithful church member.
Song: SHALL WE GATHER AT THE RIVER
Obit
Prayer
Song: IN THE SWEET BY AND BY
Message:
As we come to this service I believe that we can truly say we come to a celebration of life. I don’t say that with the intent of making you ashamed to grieve this loss. Grief is not only normal, it is healthy. It is a process that is God given…..a process that He gives to help us through loss. God knows our needs as a person because He created us. So I don’t want to keep you from grieving but I believe that there are some things that we can celebrate today.
I. CELEBRATE HER WITNESS. I TIM 1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also
A) The witness of her Salvation---SAVED ON JULY 11, 1950 JOHN 1:1-14
B) The witness of her Love.
I asked the family to describe Sis. Virginia in one word. The answers I got were SACRAFICE, PATIENCE, FAITHFULNESS, STEADFAST, UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.
C) The witness of her sweet spirit.
1) Even in adversity.
2) In her humor---Mission Rally’s –talking watch.
II. CELEBRATE HER LIFE. PHIL 1:3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
A) One thing that I always try to encourage families to do when they have lost a loved one is to create a memory book. Yours may be different from anyone else’s in the family. This book should contain pictures, favorite memories, funny stories….etc…
1) It serves as a great encouragement when a few months from now one day you wake up and are saddened by the loss you feel. To take out that book and look back….to laugh….to cry….to be thankful for those special memories.
2) It serves as a great tool for passing a special heritage on to your grandchildren and their grandchildren.
B) Memories shared:
1) Selflessness of loving bananas but not eating any because she wanted the kids to have them.
2) Her speech was clean, encouraging, loving, never condescending or backstabbing.
3) She would be hard at work before anyone else got out of bed.
4) Loved to be at church—even enough that when unable to drive because of poor eyesight, she walked.
C) Even in your grief. Don’t be afraid to take your grief to God and talk to him about your loss and loneliness.
A prayer pouring out your heart to God. A prayer that acknowledges your hurt and his ability to heal your hurt. A prayer that acknowledges your need to cast your care upon him. A prayer that acknowledges your need for him to give you a peace that passes understanding.
III. CELEBRATE HER CROSSING THE FINISH LINE. I TIM 4:6-8
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8Henceforth 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. Sis. Viriginia fought a good fight and kept the faith.
A) Psa 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Why is this Scripture true? Why is it precious to God when one of his children die?
1) Because it brings them close to his side….never to be separated by sin again.
2) For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8: 18
B) She was ready to cross the finish line….
1) Wednesday—nurse asked if she could read the Bible—Sis. Virginia was pretty much unresponsive but when asked that she nodded her head. As the nurse read the 23rd Psalm, tears rolled down her face.
2) Thursday---In a moment of alertness, asked “How does it go?” and when helped then sang In the Sweet by and by.
3) Sunday as Sherry came into the room, Sis. Virginia said “who is that with you..” angelic being because no one else was there.
4) She was even ready many years before. Man that had killed two broke in on Sis. Virginia and her husband. Held them at gun point until he decided to run away. He had still not been found and she wanted to go home. Someone said “What if he comes back and kills you?” She said well then “I will see you later”
