A Memorial Service

I always had the impression that memorial services are kept short, but tonight I attended one that lasted 2 full hours. A typical service would have some singing, testimonies and a short preaching by the Pastor. Essentially the service I attended tonight follows the same format, except for some differences. The testimonies are long and extremely weepy. I am only a colleague of the mother, whose own mother passed away. I don't even know the deceased's name, until I step into the house. However, I found myself sobbing away at the testimonies of mostly the grandchildren of the deceased.

At first I find the distraught family very much a concern. Surely they know that they will meet their ma ma once day in heaven? And now she is in a better place, with the Lord Jesus. She feels no pain for she is now Home! I always believe that a Christian service should be a solemn but joyous one, for the deceased is for better off being taken Home then to suffer much in illness. Besides, we look forward to God's glorious coming where we will be given perfect body, where there will be no pain. Surely this is hope enough not to be too weepy?

Then, I took a step back and survey the people at the wake, they are not really mourning like people of other religion, where death is the end for them. This is a godly Christian family, full of love and care of each other. I was in awe by the love surrounding this lovely old lady. She spent time with the youngsters, befriend them and was a very big part of their lives. I was moved by the emotional but sincere testimonies of the grandchildren. By the time the fourth testimonies was read out by a granddaughter, the whole yard was filled with weepy and sniffling guests.

I attribute this to the fact that the testimonies were delivered by youngsters, for they may not have fully grasp the hope that is in the deceased. Thank God for the last testimony, a closing speech by the head of the household. It is a balanced testimony about good memories to be remembered for this dear ma ma. Some of them were even funny,  and this lighten the mood greatly. The Elder's sermon was another great encouragement, for the emphasize was rightly on the salvation and hope of our Lord Jesus Christ. In all, it ended on the positive, as it should be.

"And when my task on earth is done, when by Thy grace the victory own. Even death's cold wave I will not flee, since God through Jordan leadeth me." An except from the song "He Leadeth Me", sang at the Memorial Service.