In a span of only ten days, we had returned to Alabama, made funeral arrangements, had 5 visitations, and 1 Celebration of Life ceremony. It was a lot—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
The Celebration of Life for Soy took place on a Thursday at noon. I knew that a weekday service meant that the attendance would be low and I did not expect people to take off work to attend the service.
I was shocked, stunned, overwhelmed by the amount of people who came to Soy’s Celebration of Life.
I was speechless!
People took one day flights. People drove a 32 hour round trip. People sacrificed time off of work. People showed up to love on us. There were 11 states represented at the service!
I remember almost every single person who walked through the line to hug my neck. I remember the people who looked at me with tears streaming down their faces. I remember those who had no words but just hugged me. I wanted to weep as I looked into the faces of so many people who were part of our lives—past and present. Somehow I managed to hold it together. I didn’t realize how much I loved each and every person. I have asked the Lord to never take this memory from me.
And so many people chose to drive to the cemetery that is located in the middle of nowhere. No one just passes by our family cemetery. Once again, I was left speechless when people stood beside our family as we said our final earthly good-byes to Soy.
I thought “This is exactly what the Church of Jesus Christ looks like.” No denominations. No color. No economic status. Followers of Christ who rejoice with you, pray with you, weep with you.
Last week, I returned home to stand by one of Soy’s closest friends, BJ, as he said good-bye to his young wife. I will not lie—it was hard. Wounds were re-opened. He has three children in the house and the passing of his wife was unexpected. I hurt deeply for BJ as he walks the road. I am only 16 steps ahead of him. A road of sorrow, sadness, grief, joy, peace, and hope–all at the same time.
Did I have words to say to BJ. Nope. There are no words. I took Joe David’s advice— “Show up and Shut up!”
As I looked at the ridiculously long line of people who came to hug BJ and his family. Once again, I saw the Body of Christ.
So I prayed that BJ will remember every single face. That he will be blown away by the people who rejoice with him, pray with him, and weep with him.
I am so grateful that I serve a God who leaves us speechless!
