I was asked to close and pray at the funeral service for my grandfather, Vernon Steele.  Here is what I said:

death there is a natural tendency to remember the good times, the endearing qualities.  We thank God for this tendency.  We think of the smiles and the lessons learned, the protection and provision of a man like Vernon Steele.  Wow, no one like that.  Strong as an ox, creative, inventor, craftsman, lover of classical music and Mercedes Benz.  Not sure I ever heard him explain anything with such love as his collection of Mercedes.

However, our mind sometimes wanders to other moments when times were tough.  We want to wrap things up and put a bow on someone’s life.  I have been doing funerals officially for ten years and it is a struggle for anyone.  Now, I have been asked to be the final speaker for Vernon Steele and then say a prayer.

I just want to say that every time Vernon showed us his humanity and brokenness. Every time we were faced with a situation where we tried to make excuses or say that is just the way he is… Jesus Christ was dying for Vernon.

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

In the midst of us trying to make sense and make wrong pieces fit, the Blood of Jesus Christ cleanses and make right.  Jesus makes all things well.  We rejoice in the reconciliation of all things.  We serve a Jesus that doesn’t give up on something that is broken but endures the cross so that we are FREE!

Let’s pray:

Lord, we are grateful today that we have been blessed a husband, father, grandfather, friend.  We are thankful for his life and all of the values passed down.  I pray that the Holy Ghost empowers my grandmother to seize this season of life.  That she experience peace that passes all understanding.  That she feel strength in her body, soul, and spirit. That each son, daughter, grandchild, and EVERY ‘in-law’ would bond like never before. I pray for unity and a kindred spirit to permeate every relationship.  Lord, may we BE the body of Christ on earth that you have called us to be.  We are needing you. We desire you. We call on you today to give us YOU. That is all we need. In Jesus name, and EVERYBODY say “AMEN”!