The Funeral
***This is my 18 yr old son***
Three teenage boys, who happened to be 2 of my sons and one of their friends, and I went to the funeral of one of their friends yesterday. The funeral home was filled with teens gathering to pay their last respects.
My children are ages 16 and 18 and they are pretty much your typical, strong, self confident,can do all, teenage young men, as were most of the kids there that day; but as I took my seat in the back of the room, I saw them with fresh eyes, God's eyes. This day in their lives was probably a turning point for most of them. When we are young death is usually the farthest thing from our minds. Teens especially come at life with an attitude of invincibility. "It can't happen to me" thinking clouds their choices.
On this day, though, that changed for many of them. Their walls of cockiness and self imposed strength came tumbling down. The minister directed his talk towards them and each one sat quietly and respectfully listening to the message. It was the gospel message of Jesus. How He came and He will forgive all things if they just ask Him into their hearts. The message for these kids was, even though their friend is no longer with them, that they themselves can make a choice right now, today to live differently. Then their friends death will not have been in vain.
From my position in the back of the room I watched the kids, tears running down, each trying to comfort one another. It was a sad event but such a holy moment. This is what God calls us to do...reach out, let our defenses down and love.
This day was living proof to me, that God can take the most horrible circumstance and bring something good from it. I was witness to God's amazing power and love there in that funeral home. Hundreds of teens heard God's message for them that day, and even if only one is saved, That young boy who died, his death was not in vain.
I just ask if you are reading this, that you take a moment right now and say a prayer for all who heard God's message yesterday, that their heart would be open and they make that choice to live differently. Thank you!
Mary
My children are ages 16 and 18 and they are pretty much your typical, strong, self confident,can do all, teenage young men, as were most of the kids there that day; but as I took my seat in the back of the room, I saw them with fresh eyes, God's eyes. This day in their lives was probably a turning point for most of them. When we are young death is usually the farthest thing from our minds. Teens especially come at life with an attitude of invincibility. "It can't happen to me" thinking clouds their choices.
On this day, though, that changed for many of them. Their walls of cockiness and self imposed strength came tumbling down. The minister directed his talk towards them and each one sat quietly and respectfully listening to the message. It was the gospel message of Jesus. How He came and He will forgive all things if they just ask Him into their hearts. The message for these kids was, even though their friend is no longer with them, that they themselves can make a choice right now, today to live differently. Then their friends death will not have been in vain.
From my position in the back of the room I watched the kids, tears running down, each trying to comfort one another. It was a sad event but such a holy moment. This is what God calls us to do...reach out, let our defenses down and love.
This day was living proof to me, that God can take the most horrible circumstance and bring something good from it. I was witness to God's amazing power and love there in that funeral home. Hundreds of teens heard God's message for them that day, and even if only one is saved, That young boy who died, his death was not in vain.
I just ask if you are reading this, that you take a moment right now and say a prayer for all who heard God's message yesterday, that their heart would be open and they make that choice to live differently. Thank you!
Mary
Comments
Fortunately, I had people who cared. I had others who kept sharing Jesus. Finally, I surrendered my life to Him and things began to change.... Read More
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So, if I might add these closing words of encouragement.
To those who love others and are watching them literally destroy their lives, keep praying, keep loving and keep sharing the gospel.
To those who are the "joyriders" in life. You are seeking to have fun, but let me tell you, it's a desert road. It's a constant search for pleasure that never arrives, and one day, you will find yourse
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