The Circle of Life

...sometimes it's painful, and too fast

Funerals are just part of the territory for anyone in ministry. Are they pleasant? Not particularly. However, they can be celebratory, celebrating a life on earth, as well as celebrating a new life to be lived eternally with God.

On June 26 of this year Casey Palms, a 17 year old boy, took his own life. His family contacted me to deliver a funeral message. Only a few months ago I was with this sweet family for a much different occasion--a wedding.

You often hear people use the old cliche: it seems the only time we all get together is at a wedding or a funeral. I don't see that as a bad thing. It does get family and friends together on account of a common bond, whether it be celebrating a new marriage, or comforting each other over a loss. Either way, it's love.

Casey was a believer and it's important to know that nothing can separate us from God's love. Nothing. Casey stepped out of this life and into the arms of Jesus.

One of the passages I shared with family and friends during the service was Second Corinthians 1:3-4. The translation I used is called “The Message". Here's what it says:
"All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort."

What God is saying to us is that He is there for us, and wants us to be there for others. Casey may be gone but his friends and family can use this experience--call on it in the future—to offer love and support to someone else. When they do that, they'll think of Casey.

One other thing worth mentioning. Casey had long been vocal about organ donation and had signed the statement on his driver's license. His family consented as well. Because of that generous--but difficult--decision, two people were given the gift of life. Casey's heart lives on.

As hard as it is to get through a time like that, I thank God for letting me be there with the family.

Blessings,
Ken