As we enter this Easter season, I’m reminded of the emotions surrounding Jesus’ death and resurrection.
In January, I attended an African American funeral service with 150 joyous friends and relatives of the deceased sister. What a wonderful celebration it was! Songs were sung, testimonies were given, and shouts of encouragement echoed throughout the service to both the family and to those gathered in her honor.
When reading the obituaries, we see the words, “...to celebrate life”. This time it was truly evident.
The message from the pastor became clearer to me as he said, “Folks, you have to realize that her time with us was a short stop here on earth. We were just a part of her long journey.” Maybe we have heard those words before but now I understand it with new meaning.
So many of life’s lessons were brought into focus during that service. Love, compassion, loyalty, friendship, stewardship and all the virtues that are taught to us from an early age. I know that her spirit was with all those gathered together and pleased that she had been an integral part of it all.
Our family, like others, has experienced many of life’s challenges, including loss of loved ones, addiction, and divorce, medical and mental challenges. In the midst of these crises, life seems hopeless, too much to bare.
Reflecting, we have found that others do care, they will step in to give comfort and will show acts of kindness that we never imagined. This, in turn, encourages us to play it forward as we become more aware of those in need.
At the end of the service, the gospel choir linked arms and swayed to the Christian Spiritual, “I’ll Fly Away”
“Some bright morning, when this life is over, I’ll fly away
To a land on God’s celestial shore, I’ll fly away.
When the shadows of this life have grown, I’ll fly away
Like a bird from these prison walls, I’ll fly away.
Oh how glad and happy when we meet, I’ll fly away
No more cold shackles on my feet, I’ll fly away.”
Just a few more weary days and then, I’ll fly away
To a land where joy will never end, I’ll fly away.
Everyone left the church, arm in arm and singing together,…
“I’ll fly away, oh glory, I’ll fly away
When I die, Hallelujah by and by, I’ll fly away.”
I’ve been singing it ever since!
