My 81 year old Aunt Maxine (Dad's sister) passed away last week. At her funeral service on Saturday I had another opportunity to be thankful for the heritage of a Christian Family.
Both of my parents grew up attending rural Mississippi country Baptist churches, along with their families. One thing is sure in a church like that- everyone there may not be born again. but they sure have heard the term and have sat under some serious preaching about the cross. Aunt Maxine's memorial service featured eulogies from three Baptist preachers who have known her, each praising her for her life, example and love for Christ. One of them read from Proverbs 31 as a description of her character. But, being good Baptist preachers, they of course also called on all in attendance to get right with God and be born again before facing death.
It was a very Christian service.
The memorial ended with all singing "Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine." I can't think of a better way to end a funeral. My Dad was deeply sorrowed. Uncle Howard was in tears, deeply grieving. Yet singing that song was a good demonstration that we do "not grieve as others do who have no hope."(1 Thess. 4:13).
The memorial ended with all singing "Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine." I can't think of a better way to end a funeral. My Dad was deeply sorrowed. Uncle Howard was in tears, deeply grieving. Yet singing that song was a good demonstration that we do "not grieve as others do who have no hope."(1 Thess. 4:13).
Thanks God for my Christian heritage, and for the privilege and responsibility to pass it on.
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