Funeral Address For Misty Lee Nanney

I never had the opportunity to meet Misty. I nonetheless am her Bishop (or Pastor) and therefore have the privilege to address you today and say a few words in Misty's behalf. It is my understanding that Misty encountered an inordinate number of challenges throughout her brief life. We are told in the scriptures that one of the primary purposes we were sent to this earth is to be "tried and tested" to see if "we will obey all of the commandments the Lord our God should give unto us". Misty was tested greatly. And now the period of her testing is over. No more pain, no more tears, no more worries, no more fears. Misty has now departed this life and you and I remain to sort it all out and make sense of it all. Misty's untimely departure leaves us all with a few questions on our minds.

Before I address some of these questions and their answers let me say a word or two about Misty's death. Most of you are aware of the difficult circumstances of Misty's passing. As Misty's Bishop, her spiritual leader, and most importantly her brother might I venture an assessment? I will use the words of Joseph Smith the Prophet to provide basis for my assessment of Misty's situation:

"While one portion of the human race is judging and condemning the other without mercy, the Great Parent of the universe looks upon the whole of the human family with a fatherly care and paternal regard. . . . He is a wise Lawgiver, and will judge all men, not
according to the narrow, contracted notions of men, but, "according to the deeds done in the body whether they be good or evil. . . ." We need not doubt the wisdom and intelligence of the Great Jehovah; He will award judgment or mercy to all nations according to their several deserts . . . and when the designs of God shall be made manifest, and the curtain of futurity be withdrawn, we shall all of us eventually have to confess that the Judge of all the earth has done right.' " (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 218.)"

For Misty too, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ suffered in Gethsemane and on the cross, for Misty too, He suffered in both body and spirit, for Misty too, He "shrank not" from the bitter cup that was offered Him. Nothing can change that. Nothing! You and I must leave judgement in the only completely clean pair of hands in our universe, namely Jesus Christ's. Now, inasmuch as we have a casket with a Misty physical body set here in front of us, we are challenged with several questions.

Where is Misty? Should we mourn her passing? Will we see each other again? What do each of us face when we step through death's door?

I would say to you friends and family here assembled, and to each and every one of you that hears my voice this day:

I know where she's at, and I know what she's doing!

    When one of our loved ones passes beyond the veil of this mortal existence the parting brings a deep sadness and longing to each of us that is left behind. We feel disconnected and left behind, we pause and consider our own mortality and what we are doing with our lives. We long to know for sure what the future holds for us beyond the certain step with uncertain dimensions we call death. The passing of a loved one invites deep reflection. The Psalmist testified:

"...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

JST Psalms 30:Verse 5

    But how can joy arise from the ashes of sorrow, when we are so clearly left behind? When our sorrow is so painfully fresh? How can we recover from the incredible and awful vacancy that enters our lives? To begin with we must realize and remember the eternal nature of God's Plan for our Happiness.

The Poet William Wordsworth wrote in his famous poem "Intimations of Immortality":

Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:

The Soul that rises with us, our life's Star,

Hath had elsewhere its setting,

And cometh from afar:

Not in entire forgetfulness,

And not in utter nakedness,

But trailing clouds of glory do we come

From God, who is our home:

Heaven lies about us in our infancy!

    Each of us treads a path that leads to a destiny of our choosing. Our choices mark the way and determine our ultimate destination. Key to this personal destiny is the concept of pre-mortality. To fully understand where Misty is we must understand where she, and each of us was before. Since we existed as beings capable of rational thought and choice prior to coming to this earth, we were able to do, say, and accomplish many things. One of the most important things we were not able to do in our pre-earth existence was obtain a physical body. We came to this planet to do just that. We know we are required to learn many things while in our bodies. The scriptures reveal the conversation of our Deity with these words:

And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them; (Abraham 3:25)

Our strict heed of the words of God is so important! Because our Heavenly Father loves us so much He desires the maximum amount of joy to be our reward in the hereafter. Latter-Day scripture reveals that the unification of the body and spirit forms the "Soul of Man" and leads to a "Fullness of Joy". One scripture (D&C 93:33-35) states:

The elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receive a fulness of joy;

And when separated, man cannot receive a fulness of joy.

The elements are the tabernacle of God; yea, man is the tabernacle of God...

 

Key to this destiny is the marvelous truth is that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has provided a way for us to be reunited with our physical bodies and our loved ones on the other side! He has prepared a plan with God our Heavenly Father that ensures eternal happiness and joy awaits each one of us. John chapter 3 verse 16 records probably the most often quoted passage in all of scripture:

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

John 3:16

Everlasting life...this sounds like a long-term affair! When we come to terms with the eternal truth that we are eternal beings and that we will exist forever a massive measure of comfort enters our hearts. Job the righteous and afflicted prophet of old declared:

For I know [that] my redeemer liveth, and [that] he shall stand at the latter [day] upon the earth:

And [though] after my skin [worms] destroy this [body], yet in my flesh shall I see God:

Job 19: 25-26

The glorious remarkable truth which applies to Misty and to each of us that we will have the ability in a future day to regain our physical bodies only with the added blessing of inheriting a perfected immortal body which is incapable of, and irresponsible for suffering all of the vicissitudes we face in this life. Along with this amazing new incorruptible body comes peace of mind and soul as well. The cares and sorrows of this life will be a memory at that point. For now, we move forward step by sometimes agonizing step. A living apostle reminds us with a thought and resurrects a truth revealed by another prophet in ancient times:

The plan always points the way, but does not always smooth the way, since individual development requires an "opposition in all things." (2 Nephi 2:11.) (Neal A. Maxwell Ensign, May 1984, p. 22.)

 

Misty had a knowledge of what awaited her on the other side. As a Latter-Day Saint she was taught the principles I have thus far shared with you today. Her 28 years of mortality seem far too few. For some reason I imagine none of us can adequately explain her passage was hastened to that place of waiting we know to be the Spirit World. A place where the righteous and the wicked await resurrection and judgement. Meanwhile, the Holy Scriptures continue to testify to us of the plan of God for his children's happiness. Let me share three of my favorites with you:

For since by man [came] death, by man [came] also the resurrection of the dead.

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

1 Corinthians 15:21-22

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

John 5: 28-29

In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.

John 14: 2-3

A Prophet declared, speaking of those who mourn for their deceased relatives:

....when I talk to these mourners, what have they lost? Their relatives and friends are only separated from their bodies for a short season: their spirits which existed with God have left the tabernacle of clay only for a little moment, as it were; and they now exist in a place where they converse together the same as we do on the earth,

I have a father, brothers, children, and friends who have gone to a world of spirits. They are only absent for a moment. They are in the spirit, and we shall soon meet again. The time will soon arrive when the trumpet shall sound. When we depart, we shall hail our mothers, fathers, friends, and all whom we love...

 

Let us not unduly mourn the passing of Misty. She is not gone forever nor doth she sleep! Only her physical tabernacle resides in this chapel, her magnificent eternal spirit has taken its place among the millions that have gone before!

    I know that Misty is certainly marveling in her newfound state of peace and clarity and that each of us as we move ever closer to our transition to the next world should feel peace in knowing that there is indeed a place "prepared for us".

Funeral for Helen Williams

I met Sister Williams at Church for the first time 11 years ago. Since then I have served in the Church with her and been her Bishop or Pastor twice. In 1997 I was ordained a Bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Helen was a member of the congregation over which I presided then. This last Sunday the 30^th of May I was called once again to serve as Helen's Bishop. In that self-same afternoon I had the privilege of visiting Helen's home and along with one of her good sons and one of my counselors bidding her farewell in the form of a priesthood blessing. It was a sobering yet spiritually rich moment as we administered one last time to Sister Williams, she who had served so many so well for so many years. In my relatively short association with Helen I learned and observed at least 3 things:

1. She was an excellent cook. Her pot roast and vegetable dinner she provided at the birth of our last child is still fondly remembered. When I remarked on the nice pot she brought the roast in she reminded me I could have the contents but not the pot!
   
2. She had a tenacious personality. Through probably equal parts her upbringing and her generation her matter-of-fact nature and her way of "telling it like it is" was appreciated by all her knew her.
   
3. She had a remarkably firm testimony of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. My wife remarked on her deep love for the Savior and her ability to share her feelings convincingly with the sisters in Relief Society (the women's organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints).
   

 

When she left us last Sunday there was a wake in her departure, one which will not soon fill. She was fond of saying she was quote "ready to go" when the Lord should call and that she was anxious to meet up with other relatives who had gone on before. Those of us who remain behind might wonder where Helen has gone.

Where is Helen?

Should we mourn her passing?

Will we see each other again?

What do we each face when we step through death's door?

When Helen passed through the veil of death she transitioned to the next phase of her existence as an immortal spirit waiting the morning of the first resurrection.

I would say to you children Raymond, John, Evan, & Denise and to all of the rest of you here assembled:

I know where she's at, and I know what she's doing!

    When one of our loved ones passes beyond the veil of this mortal existence the parting brings a deep sadness and longing to each of us that is left behind. We feel disconnected and alone, we pause and consider our own mortality and what we are doing with our lives. We long to know for sure what the future holds for us beyond the certain step with uncertain dimensions we call death. The passing of a loved one invites deep reflection. I believe we may come to know and understand what the Psalmist testified of in the 30th Psalm:

"...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

JST Psalms 30:Verse 5

    But how can joy arise from the ashes of sorrow, when we are so clearly left behind? When our sorrow is so painfully fresh? How can we recover from the incredible vacancy that enters our lives?

The marvelous truth is that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has provided a way for us to be reunited with our loved ones on the other side! He has prepared a plan with God our Heavenly Father that ensures eternal happiness and joy awaits each one of us. John chapter 3 verse 16 records probably the most often quoted passage in all of scripture:

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

John 3:16

Everlasting life...this sounds like a long-term affair! When we come to terms with the eternal truth that we are eternal beings and that we will exist forever a massive measure of comfort enters our hearts. Job the afflicted prophet of old declared:

For I know [that] my redeemer liveth, and [that] he shall stand at the latter [day] upon the earth:

And [though] after my skin [worms] destroy this [body], yet in my flesh shall I see God:

Job 19: 25-26

The glorious remarkable truth which applies to Helen and to each of us that we will have the ability in a future day to regain our physical bodies only with the added blessing of inheriting a perfected immortal body which is incapable of suffering all of the vicissitudes of this life.

The other day John and I took a moment to reflect on how wonderful it must have been for Helen to arrive on the other side and find herself alert and free from the cares and worries of this world! How marvelous must have been the reunion with Roy and other family and friends in that elevated sphere! What a great blessing to know we have the opportunity to receive the same welcome home when we depart this world! The Holy Scriptures testify to us of the plan of God for his children's happiness. Let me share three of my favorites with you:

For since by man [came] death, by man [came] also the resurrection of the dead.

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

1 Corinthians 15:21-22

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life…

John 5: 28-29

In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.

John 14: 2-3

A Prophet declared, speaking of those who mourn for their deceased relatives:

....when I talk to these mourners, what have they lost? Their relatives and friends are only separated from their bodies for a short season: their spirits which existed with God have left the tabernacle of clay only for a little moment, as it were; and they now exist in a place where they converse together the same as we do on the earth,

I have a father, brothers, children, and friends who have gone to a world of spirits. They are only absent for a moment. They are in the spirit, and we shall soon meet again. The time will soon arrive when the trumpet shall sound. When we depart, we shall hail our mothers, fathers, friends, and all whom we love...

 

Let us not unduly mourn the passing of Helen. She is not gone forever nor doth she sleep! Her physical tabernacle resides in this chapel, her magnificent eternal spirit has taken its place among the millions that have gone before!

    After Hurricane paid a visit to the Gulf Coast last fall Helen made the rounds to check on her sisters in the Church even though this was a real chore for her because of health concerns she was struggling with. I admire the quality of her perseverance in the face of adversity, and I hope that as we take a moment today to remember Helen, we might consider what more we can do in this world to be like her in this way.

    I know that Helen is marveling in the splendor of the paradise in which she is a new citizen. We too are drawing ever closer to the transition to eternity we call "death". May we each have peace and clarity knowing that there is indeed a place "prepared for us".

Funeral for Roberta Fenwick

I met Sister Roberta at Church for the first time 12 years ago. That was over in the 9th Avenue Building where the Pensacola Ward meets. Since then I have served in the Church with her and been her Bishop or Pastor twice. In 1997 I was ordained a Bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Roberta was an original member of the Perdido Branch and later the Perdido Ward. On 30 May of this year I was once again called as Bishop of the Perdido Ward and was once again Roberta's Bishop. Several personal observations about Roberta

1. She had an extraordinary wit: If you've ever seen the prototypical Roberta grin you know what I mean! That look always seemed to show a remarkable sense of humor and underneath it seemed to indicate that she was up to something and she may or may not tell you what it was!!
   
2. She was remarkably generous: Roberta had a great love of literature and in particular childrens literature. She enjoyed immensely sharing this love with our 4 children. For all of the years that we knew Roberta she took it upon herself (over our half-hearted objections; she said "it's my money ! I'll spend it how I want, thank you!) to give the gift of multiple magazine subscriptions to our children to enlighten and excite their imaginations! Her enthusiasm for the written word was a halmark of the Roberta we knew and loved
   
3. She had a remarkably firm testimony of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. As a Gospel Doctrine (adult Sunday School) teacher she was very effective and persuasive in her teaching style. Her lovingly (if not always legible) handwritten instructional aids were a testament to her dedication to this call to sereve. It was always a joy to hear her testify of her love for the Savior Jesus Christ. She often remarked she didn't feel worthy to invite the Spirit into the class... Now that you're gone Roberta, I'll say one last time RUBBISH!! You we're a true Saint in our midst!
   

 

Near the end of her mortal sojourn Roberta experienced a lot of pain. She wondered aloud to me what was left for her to accomplish...what she still lacked...I was a little taken aback by this thought and assured her that all she yet lacked was the ability to cross the finish line of life with her head held high. One last trial lay ahead; patience with the Lord. One last refining test.

I read her a verse from the Book of Mormon found in Alma chapter 7 verse 23:

    "And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle;     easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all     things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times;     asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal;     always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do recieve."

After this interlude Bro LJ Carter and I gave Roberta a Priesthood blessing during which she was issued an honorable release from this life. This was a spiritual event I will cherish for the remainder of my life.

Where is Roberta?

Should we mourn her passing?

Will we see each other again?

What do we each face when we step through death's door?

When Roberta passed through the veil of death she transitioned to the next phase of her existence as an immortal spirit waiting the morning of the first resurrection.

I would say to friends and family and all of the rest of you here assembled:

I know where she's at, and I know what she's doing!

    When one of our loved ones passes beyond the veil of this mortal existence the parting brings a deep sadness and longing to each of us that is left behind. We feel disconnected and alone, we pause and consider our own mortality and what we are doing with our lives. We long to know for sure what the future holds for us beyond the certain step with uncertain dimensions we call death. The passing of a loved one invites deep reflection. I believe we may come to know and understand what the Psalmist testified of in the 30th Psalm:

"...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

JST Psalms 30:Verse 5

    But how can joy arise from the ashes of sorrow, when we are so clearly left behind? When our sorrow is so painfully fresh? How can we recover from the incredible vacancy that enters our lives?

The marvelous truth is that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has provided a way for us to be reunited with our loved ones on the other side! He has prepared a plan with God our Heavenly Father that ensures eternal happiness and joy awaits each one of us. John chapter 3 verse 16 records probably the most often quoted passage in all of scripture:

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

John 3:16

Everlasting life...this sounds like a long-term affair! When we come to terms with the eternal truth that we are eternal beings and that we will exist forever a massive measure of comfort enters our hearts. Job the afflicted prophet of old declared:

For I know [that] my redeemer liveth, and [that] he shall stand at the latter [day] upon the earth:

And [though] after my skin [worms] destroy this [body], yet in my flesh shall I see God:

Job 19: 25-26

The glorious remarkable truth which applies to Helen and to each of us that we will have the ability in a future day to regain our physical bodies only with the added blessing of inheriting a perfected immortal body which is incapable of suffering all of the vicissitudes of this life.

The other day John and I took a moment to reflect on how wonderful it must have been for Helen to arrive on the other side and find herself alert and free from the cares and worries of this world! How marvelous must have been the reunion with Roy and other family and friends in that elevated sphere! What a great blessing to know we have the opportunity to receive the same welcome home when we depart this world! The Holy Scriptures testify to us of the plan of God for his children's happiness. Let me share three of my favorites with you:

For since by man [came] death, by man [came] also the resurrection of the dead.

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

1 Corinthians 15:21-22

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life…

John 5: 28-29

In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.

John 14: 2-3

A Prophet declared, speaking of those who mourn for their deceased relatives:

....when I talk to these mourners, what have they lost? Their relatives and friends are only separated from their bodies for a short season: their spirits which existed with God have left the tabernacle of clay only for a little moment, as it were; and they now exist in a place where they converse together the same as we do on the earth,

I have a father, brothers, children, and friends who have gone to a world of spirits. They are only absent for a moment. They are in the spirit, and we shall soon meet again. The time will soon arrive when the trumpet shall sound. When we depart, we shall hail our mothers, fathers, friends, and all whom we love...

 

Let us not unduly mourn the passing of Roberta. She is not gone forever nor doth she sleep! Her physical tabernacle resides in this chapel, her magnificent eternal spirit has taken its place among the millions that have gone before!

    Near the end the faithfulness of Roberta was given one more stiff test through which she marvelously forged ahead. All of this was a real chore for her because of health concerns she was struggling with. I admire the quality of her perseverance in the face of adversity, and I hope that as we take a moment today to remember Roberta, we might consider what more we can do in this world to be like her in this way.

    I feel confident that Roberta is marveling in the splendor of the paradise in which she is a new citizen. We too are drawing ever closer to the transition to eternity we call "death". May we each have peace and clarity knowing that there is indeed a place "prepared for us".

Funeral Address for Michelle Nelson

16 June 2006

Bishop Paul D. Laws

 

I became acquainted with Michelle at Church when our family moved to the Pensacola area for the first time in 1994. She was beautiful inside and out and our relationship was to take on a special turn a short 2 years later.

 

I offer but a few personal observations about Michelle

1. She was extremely persistent (see hard-headed/stubborn): Those of you who have had anything to do with Michelle since the onset of her physical challenges so many years ago (and especially recently) know exactly what I mean. She was reticent to be cared for even in her extremity. She resisted the idea that Royette (or anyone else for that mater) should wait on her even when she was in extreme duress. She was a delightful waitress who many patrons would return to for service again and again. She would shelter the homeless, clothe the naked, and heal the afflicted whose hands "hung down". Countless are the number of days Michelle worked (while putting herself through school) and raising her sons Jeremy and Jim.
   
2. She had a remarkable love of children: In July of 1996 our fourth child, a girl who we named Joli, was born at Sacred Heart Hospital here in Pensacola. She was due in October and was extremely small. But like Michelle she was what some might call a "persistent soul". Her mother and I were not permitted to interact much with her due to the perils associated with her size and the policies of the hospital concerning her measly birth weight. Michelle was literally an "angel of mercy" who willingly surrendered nearly every free moment from her other duties in the hospital to nurture our "little angel". She was able to do for us and Joli what we so much wanted and desired but were prevented from doing. Many times since I have thanked her personally for these wonderful ministrations and now I say one last time publicly (and to you Michelle if you're listening) THANK YOU!
   
3. She was remarkably generous: She repeatedly throughout her life cultivated the Christ-like quality of charity. A fitting epilogue to her life and times might be these profound verses given by the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian Saints:
   

   Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
   

   And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
   

   And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor], and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
   

   Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
   

   Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
   

   Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
   

   Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
   

   ¶ Charity never faileth:
   

    Charity never failed in Michelle's life. She would literally do anything for anyone anytime with no thought for the consequences to herself. While to some this might seem like a vulnerability of her I believe it will stand as a crowning achievement in her too brief life. Michelle refused to see bad in any person no matter who they were.

 

While our lives and the duration thereof is known only to the Lord, Michelle was "permitted to tarry" for what one might think was an exorbitant amount of time considering the fiery furnace of pain and misery through which she trod for the last few years of her life. As a young woman Michelle was given a special blessing in which she was told she would be an example and a strength to those around her throughout her life. She jokingly told Royette "when people see how miserable I am they can't help but feel better about their situations!!" That is SO Michelle!

 

While her life here on earth ended this past Monday between 5 and 6 PM. Her caring influence and the dignity of her perseverance will stand in bright remembrance to those who knew her for generations to come! What a marvelous fulfillment of her special spiritual endowment! What an excellent legacy!

 

Near the end of her life Michelle and I had the opportunity to review her spiritual standing before the Lord. It was a special moment for me to be with her at that sacred moment. Her concerns about her endurance seemed amazing to me! She was so patient in her afflictions. I was greatly enriched by that interview!

 

I feel Michelle had a solid gold soul! As you probably know the process or refining precious metals involves extreme heat to remove impurities. Michelle left the earth having endured the blast furnace of illness for many years. I believe she left purified before the Lord. Patience in her illness tried Michelle greatly. One last refining test. I say she passed!

 

 

 

 

Where is Michelle?

Should we mourn her passing?

Will we see each other again?

What do we each face when we step through death's door?

When Michelle passed through the veil of death she transitioned to the next phase of her existence as an immortal spirit waiting the morning of the first resurrection.

I would say to friends and family and all of the rest of you here assembled:

I know where she's at, and I know what she's doing!

    When one of our loved ones passes beyond the veil of this mortal existence the parting brings a deep sadness and longing to each of us that is left behind. We feel disconnected and alone, we pause and consider our own mortality and what we are doing with our lives. We long to know for sure what the future holds for us beyond the certain step with uncertain dimensions we call death. The passing of a loved one invites deep reflection. It may even invite anger at the perceived injustice of it all. I believe we may come to know and understand what the Psalmist testified of in the 30th Psalm:

"...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

JST Psalms 30:Verse 5

    But how can joy arise from the ashes of sorrow, when we are so clearly left behind? When our sorrow is so painfully fresh? How can we recover from the incredible vacancy that enters our lives?

The marvelous truth is that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has provided a way for us to be reunited with our loved ones on the other side! He has prepared a plan with God our Heavenly Father that ensures eternal happiness and joy awaits each one of us. John chapter 3 verse 16 records probably the most often quoted passage in all of scripture:

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

John 3:16

Everlasting life...this sounds like a long-term affair! When we come to terms with the eternal truth that we are eternal beings and that we will exist forever a massive measure of comfort enters our hearts. Job the afflicted prophet of old declared:

For I know [that] my redeemer liveth, and [that] he shall stand at the latter [day] upon the earth:

And [though] after my skin [worms] destroy this [body], yet in my flesh shall I see God:

Job 19: 25-26

The glorious remarkable truth which applies to Michelle and to each of us that we will have the ability in a future day to regain our physical bodies only with the added blessing of inheriting a perfected immortal body which is incapable of suffering all of the vicissitudes of this life. Imagine the joy Michelle will experience when she gets her immortal body especially given the recent decline of her earthly body!

The Holy Scriptures testify to us of the plan of God for his children's happiness. Let me share three of my favorites with you:

For since by man [came] death, by man [came] also the resurrection of the dead.

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

1 Corinthians 15:21-22

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life…

John 5: 28-29

In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.

John 14: 2-3

A Prophet declared, speaking of those who mourn for their deceased relatives:

....when I talk to these mourners, what have they lost? Their relatives and friends are only separated from their bodies for a short season: their spirits which existed with God have left the tabernacle of clay only for a little moment, as it were; and they now exist in a place where they converse together the same as we do on the earth,

I have a father, brothers, children, and friends who have gone to a world of spirits. They are only absent for a moment. They are in the spirit, and we shall soon meet again. The time will soon arrive when the trumpet shall sound. When we depart, we shall hail our mothers, fathers, friends, and all whom we love...

 

Let us not unduly mourn the passing of Michelle. She is not gone forever nor doth she sleep! Her physical tabernacle resides in this chapel, her magnificent eternal spirit has taken its place among the millions that have gone before!

    I admire the quality of Michelle's perseverance in the face of adversity, and I hope that as we take a moment today to remember her, we might consider what more we can do in this world to be like her. Her perseverance, love of others, and endless charity are each worthy of emulation and imitation.

    I feel confident that Michelle is marveling in the splendor of the paradise in which she is a new citizen. She and Herb are certainly "catching up on old times". We too are drawing ever closer to the transition to eternity we call "death". May we each have peace and clarity knowing that there is indeed a place "prepared for us".