My Very First Funeral Message (1995), Her Name was Marie

Marie's Funeral Message

Marie's Bible Verse:  Psalm 25: 1-7
"To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul; 
In You I trust, O my God.
Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.
No one whose hope is in You will ever be put to shame...
Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths;
Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior,
and my hope is in You all day long.
Remember, O Lord, Your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.
Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways;
According to Your love remember me, for You are good, O Lord."

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.  Grace and peace.

When I meet a person, my first thought is a question..."How has God gifted and blessed this person?"  And, then a second question follows, "What can I learn about God from this person?"

When I first met Marie, I was immediately taken with her independence and her resolve to rise above physical limitations.  As we visited and I got to know more of Marie, it was obvious to me that this woman was one who God delighted in!  She enjoyed life.  She wasn't one to flinch from hardship or challenges.  She dug in and took part in life around her.  Cooking for the jail, having a family, attending sporting events, supporting community events, getting a pilot's license, traveling....all these accomplishments and more told me that she was a person who lived each day to the fullest.

Not every day was great for Marie.  Since her health failed, Marie withstood constant pain.  Her physical limitations were an every day reminder that life for Marie had changed.  Family was important, yet many were scattered and her life partner was gone.  Life was complicated.  Life wasn't easy.

And yet Marie continued.  She continued to do what she could.  She continued to live each day.  Some days were frustrating and she cried out to God for release.  And as I watched Marie, I learned that God's timing is often not our own.  I learned that God's plans will be fulfilled within His own time.  I also saw that God does not desert His people and that He did not desert or abandon Marie.

God was real to Marie.  I saw that.  Jesus said, "In this world you will have trials and tribulations, but be of good cheer!  I have overcome the world!" (John 16:33)  And truly Jesus has overcome the world!  And now, He has overcome the struggles of Marie and taken her to Himself.

My prayers are with the family of Marie.  My prayer is that our Risen Lord Jesus Christ will surround each member with His comfort and love....that Jesus will hold each securely in His arms where they can be held and carried with the surety of His continued care.

May our God continue to care for Marie.  May He also bless our memories and encourage us in our walk as we journey through this life,

Now and forevermore,
Amen.

(September 1995)