I’ve had this idea circling in my head for a while: What if we did living eulogies? Tell me what you think of this.
At most funerals or memorial services, people stand up and say wonderful things about the person who’s passed away. These are eulogies—moments to “speak well” of someone, to share how grateful you were for their presence in your life, how much they meant to you, or how they were always there with a kind word, a smile, or timely encouragement. Stories about how someone made a difference in your life are always powerful.
But I can’t help but wonder: How much did the loved one really know about their impact on others’ lives? Were they aware of how much of a gift their presence was? Did they know the specific ways they touched someone’s life just by being themselves? Maybe, but so many people go through life never fully realizing it. Wouldn’t it be beautiful to hear those words while you’re still alive? Imagine how that could transform how we see ourselves, how we view the world, and how we understand our place in it. My hunch is that receiving a living eulogy might just surprise you with how much you’re loved. And in a world that often feels disconnected and lonely, it would remind you of where you truly belong.
I’m not entirely sure how we’d go about this, but I’ve thought about how powerful a ministry it could be if a group of folks in the church decided to organize living eulogy brunches, lunches, or dinners now and then. A simple coffee hour could work too—let me know if you’re interested.
But you don’t need a church program to start. You can choose, today, to look someone in the eyes and speak good words to them—about the goodness you see in them, the gifts that are evident in them, the specific things you love about who they are, and how grateful you are that God considered it a good thing for them to be a part of your life. A very good thing.
Much love,
Pastor Gregg
P.S. I hope you find your Place of Belonging at Park this fall. Explore what’s available and take that next step to learn together or serve together.
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