My Father-in-law, Herb Ayers, died this past Sunday, August 16 at a few minutes after 7 in the morning. It is always difficult to lose a loved one and Herb was no different. He had struggled with Alzheimers/Dimentia for about the last ten years and to some degree, his death was a welcomed relief because he was finally freed from the body that held him captive. However, saying goodbye is always difficult. Some thoughts I have had this week are listed below. I hope that you will read and be impacted as I have been.
- Salvation matters to grieving families. Why can we celebrate Herb’s life and death? Because we know that the commitment he made to Christ in this life ensures him of an eternity with Christ after his physical death.
- When you are gone, only your impact remains. In the receiving line at the funeral home, we were bombarded with people (many young men) who told of the impact Herb had on their spiritual lives. Herb was a believer who lived it out and brought others along for the journey. He lives on through the spiritual impact he has had on so many.
- Our Redeemr Always Remembers. We have no way of knowing whether Herb could still remember his Lord in his final days and hours, but we have a great confidence that his Lord never forgot him. We praise God that he is in the presence of his Redeemer today.
- Funerals should be eschatalogical. Preach Revelation 21 and 1 Cor. 15 at funerals. Death is not victorious. No matter how dark the day may look, we must be Christians with the end in mind. God wins and his victory is complete. He will wipe away every tear from our eyes.
- Grieving should include laughter. We have laughed and cried and prayed. I think the laughing was most beneficial and best depicted Herb.
- Your greatest ministry is to your family. I am blessed to have a wonderful church that doesn’t miss a beat while I’m gone. That’s great, because this week my emphasis was on my wife and family. Pastor, don’t tell your people to put their family first if you aren’t willing to do the same. The church can run without you, your family might not be able to.
- You are preaching your funeral now. Herb’s funeral service was long because there were so many wonderful things to tell about his life and his service in lay ministry. No one made up anything, they only recounted the life of a godly man.
- Missions Matter. What’s the one thing I heard repeatedly, “I remember Herb serving on mission trips.” Who knows how many people have been impacted by one man committed to missions. That’s why the family has asked for memorials to be given to the church to enable others to go on mission.
