Good morning…
I followed the suggestion given in yesterday’s blog post, Stand Actively Silent. “Active silence,” Dr. James Johnson explained, “is stepping to the back of the line and creating space and opportunity for others to speak, especially those who don’t look like me or experience life as I do – those voices that I don’t normally hear.” In active silence I watched on TV the memorial service for George Floyd. Stepping back. Giving others opportunity to speak. Creating space for me to listen, to learn, to experience.
Then early in the evening, my husband and I were part of a homemade memorial service to honor the mother of a friend who died in May. A simple service on the family’s back porch. Words of welcome. Prayers. Special songs from a talented duo. A touching poem. Reciting in unison the twenty-third Psalm. A short, personal message. The blessing of a benediction. A backyard reception with a small group of loved ones.
What wisdom did I glean from two funerals in one day? People of different ages and body types, different expressions of faith and skin color are embodying the very same question, “From this moment forth, what legacy is living on?”
The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living (Hebrews 11:1, MSG).
…Sue…
P.S. Thank you Corinne Adams for this fascinating photo.
