I attended yet another biker down funeral last week. One where the
deceased was the best husband, father, worker, and friend. And he probably was,
as this guy’s gentle spirit conveyed the love of Christ in his life. Along with
an outpouring by friends of taking care of the details, it was nice to see him
honored in death as he was in life. Yet it seems that I have never been to a
funeral where the deceased was anything but a great guy. I reflect on a service
where the guy wasn’t, and as his other wives were ready to carve up what he left
behind, his first wife stood next to me telling me what a scuzball he was. But
all the public comments made me think he was father/husband of the year. But I
knew him, and in life and death, I was comfortable with our relationship.
Despite the commentaries...to the contrary.
Yet another celebration of life, seems Christians don’t like the words
funeral or death, was a two hour miniseries of how great the deceased was. I
knew him, and while some talked of what a miracle it will be that God goes on
without him, I knew it was more of a miracle that God had gone on with him.
Again I was confident in my relationship with him, I didn’t wait until he died
to show it. While so many complain about why some die so young, where were they
when the guy was alive? Why do Christians get so sad when another Christian
goes to heaven? Isn’t that what we long for? What makes them think that God
took them to soon? While in heaven those are wondering why did you wait so
long? Yet in lieu of flowers, we have a chance everyday to show God’s love to
the living, yet wait until it is too late. While the spirit is alive and well,
and willing to provide while we still have an earthly address.
When I made medical history five years ago, while the ministry I had been
part of for 34 years was talking about it, the Black Sheep got it done. A black
sheep among the Black Sheep, we ride Triumphs, two members took a weekend and
drove 1700 miles round trip to get my Triumph in Durango, while others talked of
meaning to. They also took up a huge collection for us, we were blown away by
their generosity, but again bikers came through. But it was after being invited
to dinner and their business meeting, that I saw God at work. As we sat on the
dimly lit patio, they discussed their benevolent fund, which was only for club
members, of which I was not. But the spirit has risen above their laws in our
case, they couldn’t see the trail of tears on my face, as how they had obeyed
the spirit, and they were blessed. I hope more than we were, another miracle.
In lieu of flowers....
We forget that in lieu of flowers, God sent Jesus, while we were still dead
in our sins to give us life. He didn’t send something, he sent someone, and
when he died left his spirit to guide us. While others wait for a funeral to
express their feelings, Jesus showed us love while we still had breath on
earth. Preparing us for heaven. So we can live forever with him. I think of
all the ways I was ministered to, and how I have been able to minister in the
past, and how many funerals I get to avoid when I saw Jesus at work in a life
threatening situation. He didn’t wait to show his love and respect until a
person died, he was the on earth as it is in heaven love we seek. He was there
in the midst of the situation, ministering, and still is today. We miss
opportunities to show his love helping those in the tough situations, he tells
us true religion is helping the widows and orphans. In lieu of flowers, maybe
helping a widow around the house, send meals as we needed, and being there for
them. Not just for two weeks as seems the norm, but being the type of friend
God’s wants us to be, so we don’t moan and groan feeling sorry for ourselves at
the funeral. For the deceased may be the main event, but the funeral is for
those who are left behind. If you were secure in your relationship with them in
life, you will be in death. You will still miss them, but know that the
relationship has just changed addresses for now, heaven awaits. In lieu of
flowers, one last example.
A little 13 year old girl was my influence to write, new to ministry, I
visited her many times while she was in the hospital in LA. We got to be
friends, and the 250 mile round trip was made many times, sometimes in vain as
she could not be seen. Laiken was special, and her funeral was truly a
celebration of life. While the cancer spread through out her little body, it
could not damage her spirit, I often wondered did I go for her or for me? My
last visit was she was sick, throwing up into a huge yellow, plastic bowl, when
she looked up and saw me. In her torment, she smiled and waved.....that Laiken
smile, maybe a picture of Jesus waving to us from the cross, not good bye, but
see you later. In lieu of flowers...God sent his only son. Through Laiken I
got to see him close and up close. Nine years later I can still see that tiny
arm waving, and that big Laiken smile. For God so loved Laiken...
Ministry is simple, see a need and meet it. No special training, no
degrees, no ministry affiliation. Just the heart of Jesus, who uses our hands
and feet to bless others while blessing us at the same time. Share the love you
have for that someone while they are alive, don’t wait until the cross like the
thief did. He made it in, but just in time. Today may be your time, don’t miss
it. Don’t let the final words on your behalf be “in lieu of flowers...” Jesus
is that celebration of life we can have here on earth, so what are you waiting
for? Everyone’s last ride will be in the same type of vehicle, a hearse
followed by a flower car. In lieu of is no way to be remembered....
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com