In light of the passing of Maya Angelou, I have been led to write this post. I was never such a fan that I had every work of hers but I loved that she wrote. I loved that she showed millions of young women that we, too, could write. And as most times with a celebrity or someone I don't know, I wonder where she is right now. Amidst all of her good works, what was her relationship with Christ? It also begs me to wonder what it will be like for me when I get that long awaited call to go Home. Thus, I am writing my own eulogy.
I know many people are creeped out at the thought of writing their own eulogy or what will be said on their stones. Many even avoid talking about or planning their memorials/ burials. I have heard it said that if it is planned, that means death will come soon. The truth is, death is already here. It's just a question of when and if.... Yes, I said if. If you are in Christ, you merely close your eyes on this side and open them at Home much like as if you were closing them and waiting to come to a surprise someone has for you. Only, Heaven is no surprise to us who are in Christ Jesus! The only surprise will be what it actually looks like and what we will do in His presence. I wonder about that too.
In my years, I have had a few close deaths in my family and even some in friends or friends of my kids. Of my family, none have been as world rocking as my Grandma and friends, none as shocking and unsuspecting as my friend Derrick, who I had just seen right before his passing. But this month, has almost taken a toll, so to speak. A vibrant, beautiful, young lady named Sarah was killed on my daughter's birthday. She was a friend to my daughter in more ways than one, a classmate and a fellow energetic girl! I have to admit that I envy her! She is now where I long to be.... Home. I also had a scare with a youth from a previous youth group who was shot that same weekend. I consider him a son, a prodigal son and so I am thankful he is still breathing!
Now, on to my eulogy. It's not long, it's not drug out, it's not even the deepest and greatest of words. My passing will be followed by cremation and memorial. This is what will be read and posted on whatever memorial rock my children choose: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will give to me on that day, 2 Tim 4:7-8a. She lived, she loved, she is Home." Whoever will be there, whatever they will say, however they choose to remember me, these are the last words I want to be remembered by..... How about you? Don't give up just yet! If you still have breath, you still have hope!
I know many people are creeped out at the thought of writing their own eulogy or what will be said on their stones. Many even avoid talking about or planning their memorials/ burials. I have heard it said that if it is planned, that means death will come soon. The truth is, death is already here. It's just a question of when and if.... Yes, I said if. If you are in Christ, you merely close your eyes on this side and open them at Home much like as if you were closing them and waiting to come to a surprise someone has for you. Only, Heaven is no surprise to us who are in Christ Jesus! The only surprise will be what it actually looks like and what we will do in His presence. I wonder about that too.
In my years, I have had a few close deaths in my family and even some in friends or friends of my kids. Of my family, none have been as world rocking as my Grandma and friends, none as shocking and unsuspecting as my friend Derrick, who I had just seen right before his passing. But this month, has almost taken a toll, so to speak. A vibrant, beautiful, young lady named Sarah was killed on my daughter's birthday. She was a friend to my daughter in more ways than one, a classmate and a fellow energetic girl! I have to admit that I envy her! She is now where I long to be.... Home. I also had a scare with a youth from a previous youth group who was shot that same weekend. I consider him a son, a prodigal son and so I am thankful he is still breathing!
Now, on to my eulogy. It's not long, it's not drug out, it's not even the deepest and greatest of words. My passing will be followed by cremation and memorial. This is what will be read and posted on whatever memorial rock my children choose: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will give to me on that day, 2 Tim 4:7-8a. She lived, she loved, she is Home." Whoever will be there, whatever they will say, however they choose to remember me, these are the last words I want to be remembered by..... How about you? Don't give up just yet! If you still have breath, you still have hope!
