Which Do You Prefer?

As a minister, I have been told by more seasoned ministers that they would prefer to do a funeral over a wedding any day.  I have always found this to be very interesting.  I have done a few weddings in my time in ministry.  Some have been some of the greatest times.  Others have been... well... interesting to say the least.

There was one wedding that I performed where I just had that gut feeling that something was up.  I had walked with the couple through a few sessions of counseling, and they jumped through the hoops with all the "right" answers.  Moments before the wedding was to start, I was told by the bride's mother: "She doesn't even look like she's pregnant, does she?"  Wow.

This past weekend, I did the message at a funeral for a former student of mine.  It was tough and emotional to say the least.  He was a young man who had made a bad decision. Thankfully, the Gospel was there to bring hope and healing.

With these two very emotional and special events in the lives of people, I have been thinking about that statement that was shared with me about preferring a funeral over a wedding.  I would have to say that I do not share that preference.  Though the hope that is present for a believer in Christ who passes through death's gate, the emotional roller coaster that goes along with a funeral is not something I welcome.

What are your thoughts?

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A Divided Heart

I know that the title of this post may seem a little out of place, but it is the description of what I'm feeling right now. This weekend I have the opportunity to visit one of the places I have loved for most of my life: Birmingham, Alabama.

There has been a sweet spot in my heart for Birmingham from the time I was a little boy. It was at Legion Field that I got to see my first Alabama football game. It was there where two of my three sons were born. God blessed me with the opportunity to serve in ministry there for a little over three years not long ago. It was in Birmingham that the Lord drew my heart to the pastorate from student ministry.

A big part of me is excited to see the big city and some great friends again.

Then there's the other part...

The reason for this trip. Even with it I am torn. I have been asked to do the funeral of a former youth. I am honored that this family would call on me to speak words of encouragement and share the Gospel. That part I'm excited about.

The part I'm not excited about is having to say "good-bye" to a former student. When a young person dies, it tugs deeply at my heart. The thought of potential that is gone. The experiences that they will not have like getting married, having children, etc.

As you can see, I am torn. Even though I'm torn, I have accepted this call to share the Gospel and minister to this family. I ask for your prayers as I share but also for the family as they say good-bye to their son.

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A New Week

I have been looking forward to today greatly after last week. Last week was a dark one for sure. I attended a funeral for a high school senior and upon return home found out that a college friend was killed in a motorcycle accident.

Today, though, I'm reminded of a passage of Scripture shared with me by a good friend. Lamentations 3:22-23 says, "because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning."

Thank the Lord for those new compassions this week.

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Steve Remembered

Tomorrow morning I will get up, get dressed and make a four hour trip that I have mixed emotions about. Tomorrow is the funeral of Steve Dorsey. He was a student that was somewhat involved in our student ministry while we were at Fairhope. He was killed in an auto accident. This was his senior year. He was a great guy. Not one for many words unless he really had something to say. Also, he was one heck of a guitar player. I can remember watching him play and being envious of his talent.

The good thing about tomorrow is that it should be a celebration. Steve shared with me that he had accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. That means that when he took his last breath here on earth, he took his first in heaven.

I know that there are still so many questions among those who knew Steve, but there is hope in seeing him again. Please be in prayer for Steve's parents and sister and those who were close to him. It's not easy saying goodbye, but if you've trusted in Jesus, then it's really a "see ya later."

RIP - Steve Dorsey

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