“Come to me” Jesus begs us. In times like now when we do not know where to turn – because our life has turned upside down, Jesus begs us to come to him. Jesus will take our burdens – our sorrows- upon himself to give us rest. We do not have to carry our sorrow and our loss all alone. Jesus promises that we will find rest for our souls if we come to Him.
Barb will be greatly missed by those present and those who knew her but were unable to be here today. She had a smile on her face and an upbeat attitude even when life wasn’t going exactly as she – and we- would have wished. Her struggles did not get her down for long. She believed in the Lord and her faith was strong enough to carry her through the rough patches.
In Holy Week this year, we had an Agape Meal – a gathering of folks for a meal of bread, olives, cheese and vegetables. And even though things were tight financially, Barb wanted to bring something. It was a delight to share that evening with Barb and the others who gathered. Nothing fancy- a simple meal remembering the last days of our Lord’s life on earth. A meal where a blessing was given, bread was broken and shared. And our bodies and our souls were nourished. Barb was an integral part of that evening.
Barb loved animals – created by God for our pleasure and delight and for our care of them. Even though her dog was about as big as she was, she loved the companionship and energy of her dog. Being loved unconditionally by her dog was perhaps an earthly reminder to her of how God loves us. No matter what we do, no matter how we fail to live up to our potential, God loves us anyway. And Jesus knows we will have burdens and offers us a place of rest.
In the Letter of James, we have another reminder about a human life that is filled with testing. With opportunities to question our faith and our response to God. The writer urges us to consider such trials as times to deepen our faith and to know joy. To know that God is present with us when times are dark and the way forward is unclear. And, the writer admonishes us to endure- to not give up – for it is through endurance that we mature and grow in our faith.
Barb had times of trial early on. She spoke about her own early life and the challenges and joys that ultimately came. In conversations with Barb about her growing up, she and I shared good stories about living in Texas, a special place for both of us. Barb always had good stories to share. When visiting with Barb, you could count on laughter and good stories. And she loved to share food- not a visit went by without an offer of food.
The Non-Food Pantry sparked a special response in Barb. She felt deeply for those who were on Food Stamps but still lacked the basic necessities of life that Food Stamps didn’t cover. Things like toilet paper and toothpaste and laundry detergent. Things that matter if we are to live a life of dignity in a society that so often fails to see beyond the outward shell. Barb found a new passion in participating in the Non-Food Pantry. It was another way she gave back in response to all that she believed God had given to her.
Whenever we would visit, Barb would have some story to share. The stories are what bind us together, especially in times of sorrow. Later on this afternoon and then tonight you will have the chance to tell some of those stories. And, the family talked earlier this week, to enjoy looking at the photos and the “do you remember when” moments. Yes, life has changed now that Barb has died. And it is a bittersweet time for all of us as we grieve her death and figure out how we will go forward now that Barb is no longer in our midst in human form.
It is also a time of celebration – and that’s one of the most glorious parts of today. We can rest assured that Barb’s burdens are lifted. That she now rests in the company of all the saints- all those who have gone before us. That she now is lacking in nothing. She has matured in her faith and she awaits us when it is our turn to leave this earthly life.
Our grief is not unchristian. It is an acknowledgment that life as we know it has changed. It is an acknowledgment that we are going to have go forward without the smile, the laughter and the energy of Barb. Do not be afraid to cry. Do not be afraid to grieve. And most of all do not be afraid to call Barb by name in conversation with others or in prayer. Barb lives on with us even though we will not see her again this side of the grave. We can rest assured that Barb has given her burdens to the Lord and now rests securely with God. Barb is at peace and nothing separates her from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Amen.
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