Bible in hand

BEREAVEMENT COLUMN

II directed a service this week for a man who had served his community and his church for his entire life. He had also served my funeral home numerous times, and we will greatly miss him.
His funeral service was unique in that the Pastor for his service was his brother.
During Pastor Stanmore’s words of comfort to the congregation, he shared that poignant moment when he found his brother, Michael.
Michael was a single man who lived alone but served his community daily. After not being able to make contact with Michael, Pastor and Sister Stanmore decided to go over to his home. They found Michael dead in his living room.
Pastor Stanmore’s description of that moment was beautiful. As he entered his brother’s home, Michael was sitting on his couch with his hand stretched out in front of him. In his hand he held an open book; his Bible.
Michael, true to his life’s practice, passed from this life into the presence of his Lord and Savior while reading and studying the Word of God.
As I listened to Pastor Stanmore, I wondered how he could recount this story without breaking down into tears.
He loved his brother, but he knew that his brother was happy on the other side of life.
As I listened, I remembered a quote that I had recently heard. “We live to die and we die to live.” (Russel M Nelson} Michael lived his life serving his community in the name and example of Christ.
His death, although felt deeply by those left behind to remember him, will enrich those whom he will now serve.
His genuine desire to love and serve will be a great asset in the work on the other side of the veil.

My name is Tracy Renee Lee. I am a Certified Grief Counselor (GC-C), Funeral Director (FDIC), published author, syndicated columnist, Podcaster, and founder of the “Mikey Joe Children’s Memorial” and Heaven Sent, Corp. I write books, weekly bereavement articles, Podcasts, and Grief BRIEFs related to understanding and coping with grief. I am the American Funeral Director of the Year Runner-Up and recipient of the BBB’s Integrity Award.

For additional encouragement, please visit my podcast “Deadline” on Spotify and follow me on Instagram at “Deadline_TracyLee.”