From The Pastor’s Pen – By Brian Horrobin
For a while now I have been noticing a trend that I don’t like.
As a pastor, one of my key roles is to work with families and individuals during their time of grief.
The death of a loved one is bone-jarring to the normal flow of life and most people really struggle with how to adjust to life after losing someone whom they loved.
It has been my observation that a major factor in the healing process is for the grieving family members to have a time where friends can come and support them, offer condolences, and even share a meal.
For this reason, it is a concern to me that we are seeing more and more obituary notices indicating no visitation or service.
Often, it is noted that this was the wish of the deceased loved one.
I am not saying that a person should not get their wishes carried out, only that I feel they could be underselling themselves by saving their family what they deem to be a hassle and burden of having a funeral.
However, may I suggest that the support of others at the time of death, which is a critical time emotionally, is very therapeutic and appreciated.
I remember vividly when my father died, and that was over 36 years ago now, how blessed and cherished I felt as people made their way to the visitation and then the funeral to come alongside me and my family in our time of great grief.
I cannot explain it exactly but somehow knowing that our family was not walking this difficult path alone lifted us and carried us during that time.
I offer this opinion today, not by way of lecture or scolding, but simply as something to consider when it comes to leaving your loved ones with as much help as they might possibly need.
Pray and ask the Lord what He would want you to do.
