Two Funerals

 

                                             Photo credit: Istock/Marek Stefunko

Last Sunday I watched most of Charlie Kirk’s funeral which was several hours long. It was an unusual event, but Charlie was an unusual man. It seemed to be part political rally, part revival service. Several contemporary Christian artists honored the Lord in music. Speaker after speaker addressed the audience, and several explained the gospel. One even invited people to stand if they wanted to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Charlie’s wife, Erika, voiced forgiveness towards her husband’s murderer. Thousands of people attended in person with thousands more attending virtually. I have never seen anything like it.

Then, the next day, on Monday, I attended the funeral of a godly woman, Linda Ludington, who used to be my supervisor at the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes when I was very young. Linda taught me so many things about social work! She was a joy! She was funny and smart – like genius smart. She knew just what to say to people when difficult topics had to be discussed. She spoke up when it was needed but also listened well. She had dementia when she died and had been ill for quite a while. I suppose maybe she was “out of circulation” because only about 25 people attended her funeral. I found her funeral to be a beautiful tribute as well as inspiring. Linda’s niece invited us to join her in singing several praise songs to honor Linda’s Savior as she strummed her guitar. While competing with noisy geese from a nearby duck pond, her witty nephew presented the gospel and honored Linda for the faithful, godly life she had lived.

Reflecting on and comparing these two funerals, I considered how one was extremely large while the other quite small. One person’s circle of influence was much larger than the other’s. One was very public, while the other private. But both funerals glorified God. People praised His Name. People at both funerals spoke clearly of Christ’s sacrifice for our sin. Both deceased honored God with their lives.

We little people have hope. We don’t have to be famous or wealthy or powerful. The smallest among us can honor God with our lives. Everyone has a circle of influence. It might be small, but if that’s what God has called you to, shine brightly in that role. Be a light – you don’t have to be a blinding spotlight. The light of a match can still illuminate a room.

 

“This little light of mine…”

 

joyce hague

 

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/hixson-tn/linda-ludington-12521419