How do you prepare a homily for the funeral of an eight year old girl? What can you possibly say that could bring even an ounce of comfort to a family with hearts broken into a million pieces? There are no words….and yet, words need to be found and spoken, because people are waiting for the homily, waiting for the words….
These were some of the words, thoughts and reflections that were spoken last week at this child’s funeral. I hope that they were heard by many because they are great wisdom, wisdom for us all. I believe that these words were inspired, straight from God, to be heard by all of his children.
My rephrasing…
I would suggest that each of you take some time alone, either today, tomorrow or in the near future. Some time alone to be with yourself and with God. And in that time, ‘let God have it’. Let him have it all….he can take it. Tell him exactly what you are feeling, scream, cry, yell, be angry, whatever you have, give it all to him. And when you bear your soul like that, when you empty yourself, when you give it all to him, then he can begin the healing.
He doesn’t impose himself on you, he waits patiently for you to come to him and give it all up. If it takes a day then the healing will come soon. If it takes you a lifetime to give it all to him, then it may take a lifetime for you to be healed.
I encourage you to begin, take the time to be alone with God, take the time to bear yourself, don’t hold back, give him whatever you have, whatever you’re feeling, and then let him take it and begin to heal you.
Give whatever you’ve got to God….he can take it….he’s lived it….
Wow…that wasn’t what I was expecting but how refreshing to hear that at a homily….really what else could you say? My favorite is: “God needed them in Heaven”……He truly does understand our grief. Lori
very wise counsel.
Powerful words! I believe that those words are from God Himself to us when we are hurting. “Give it ALL to me.” He is enough. Sometimes it takes some time to get to that place, but He’s always waiting with outstretched hands. Thank you for sharing.
Yes, our God is not a small God. He definitely can take it. Giving him a piece of our mind is such a wise counsel.
Continuing to pray for the family and your community, Andy.
He’s lived it. And that’s what makes all this idea of giving it over to him work. We know he can swallow it whole … death and pain and grief … because he already has. Thanks for sharing this, Andie. And for all of you may the healing come sooner rather than later through a willingness to give it over.
I am sorry I am so behind in checking in you; and very saddened by the tragic death of this young girl. It is against nature’s law to have a child die before their parents.
The homily must have been quite a shock to the attendees and yet – how appropriate. It is OK for us to be angry at God; the problem for us comes when we get angry and don’t allow God to work in our lives to heal us.
I hope those in mourning are able to use the wise words of the homily to begin a healing in their own lives. They certainly are words for all of us to consider.
Missing you, Andie. I hope this finds you well ♥