Funeral--very very sad
Today, I did the hardest funeral I have done in my 36 years in the ministry. A young 23 year old boy took his own life. He came from a well to do family, he had many many friends, a beautiful fiance and yet, he ended his life.
His fiance's dad and I worked together years ago. I knew this young man's mother, his grandad, and his uncle, as well as many of his cousins.
This was the second suicide funeral I had done this week. It was all I could do to compose myself. Inside his casket was his Cardinals baseball cap, His Chicago Bears cap. a ring someone gave him, a dolphin necklace in his hands, etc.
Most of his family, have little or not religious affiliation at all. This is what bothered me the most. I did not personally know this young man. He had came along after I had left this area 35 years ago but, due to the family knowing I was back here now, and a Pastor, they asked me to do this funeral.
I related my own sorrow, of losing my own son and I preached Jesus, His love for mankind and, the comfort that He gives, when we know Him as our Savior.
My services do not end, at the cemetery. I always inform families that if they need to talk to me, ask questions, or whatever in the days and weeks to come, to contact me.
I felt the Lord's presence with me today as I preached the funeral message and I once again, did it in His power and strength, not my own.
His fiance's dad and I worked together years ago. I knew this young man's mother, his grandad, and his uncle, as well as many of his cousins.
This was the second suicide funeral I had done this week. It was all I could do to compose myself. Inside his casket was his Cardinals baseball cap, His Chicago Bears cap. a ring someone gave him, a dolphin necklace in his hands, etc.
Most of his family, have little or not religious affiliation at all. This is what bothered me the most. I did not personally know this young man. He had came along after I had left this area 35 years ago but, due to the family knowing I was back here now, and a Pastor, they asked me to do this funeral.
I related my own sorrow, of losing my own son and I preached Jesus, His love for mankind and, the comfort that He gives, when we know Him as our Savior.
My services do not end, at the cemetery. I always inform families that if they need to talk to me, ask questions, or whatever in the days and weeks to come, to contact me.
I felt the Lord's presence with me today as I preached the funeral message and I once again, did it in His power and strength, not my own.
Replies
I am glad you were the one to give this family some comfort in their horrific loss. Suicide is a fatal symptom of a brain malfunction....it is never a choice as it appears to those who don\'t know the cause or think it is a selfish act....I have studied this non stop since my son\'s passing by suicide. Now that I have a better understanding of this disease...and yes, it is a disease like cancer or diabetes...I can feel somewhat better about some of the WHYs about suicide as this family will indeed go through.
I hope they will reach out to you and perhaps because they know you they will be curious about Jesus and how to go to heaven...or become acquainted with your sermons/church. I hope it all works for the good and in God\'s glory. In Christ, .....dale, brandon\' s mom
Thanks Dale,
You are always supportive of me and the work I strive to do for the Lord.
I AM SO SORRY THAT YOU HAD TO GO THRU THIS. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE HOW VERY HARD ALL OF THIS IS FOR YOU. I PRAY THAT THE FAMILY WILL GET AHOLD OF YOU AND YOU CAN LEAD THEM TO THE LORD. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THIS FAMILY AND WITH YOU AS ALWAYS. I THANK GOD FOR YOU DAILY AND IM SURE THAT YOU DID A BEAUTIFUL SERVICE EVEN THO IT WAS SO VERY HARD ON YOU. I PRAY THAT YOU TAKE IT EASY NOW AND REST IN THE LORD DEAR FRIEND.
LOVE IN THE LORD.....AMEN
Wow, Dale had an interesting perspective I\'ve never heard before...I\'m glad you shared your heart, and yes, God\'s heart, too, at this funeral. I\'ll pray for the family.
You are a good man, I really mean that.
gosh peewee, this is the hardest thing to go through when so many are unsaved and not knowing if this boy was or not. I am sorry for you and everyone involved. I will be praying that the holy spirit will move the hearts of this family to the Lord. May the Lord fill you with His strength , may He continue to guide you to see what the barriers are and the words to speak as He touches their hearts. Hugging you peewee, cause I know you could use one. You are in my prayers as usual, In His Love and Peace, connie
Wow, that must have been incredibly hard and yet I\'m glad you were able to be there for the family. I battle suicidal feelings every day because of my illness and yet I am always trying to hold on for my 13 year old son. I really appreciate what Dale said about suicide. I agree that it really isn\'t a choice, but rather more like a fate for some people who just feel they can\'t hold out any longer. I know that feeling all too well and live with it daily, although by the grace of God I am still here.