A transcript of my speech at Annelle McColllister Sealy's homecoming service August 17, 2012:
Something of great occurrence happened this week.
There was no media coverage, no front page headlines.
In fact to most of the world, it will largely go unnoticed. But to those of us who knew, there was a small eclipse as God carried one of his brightest lamps upstairs and out of our room.
Now, if weeping endureth for a night, we're all sitting in darkness right now, sitting alone with one question:
WHY? Why God? Why her? Why now?
See, as humans, we need things to make sense. They have to fit into our box of reasons.
Situations like this...are just wrong.
And all we're left with are questions too impossible to answer...because we are leaning on our own feeble understanding, instead accepting the truth that His ways are NOT our ways.
When we decide to embrace that truth, we will then realize that there is one question we CAN answer: Why was Annelle McCollister Sealy placed on this earth?
That one is EASY, just look around you! Everyone here was impacted (directly or indirectly) by her life. Even in death, she left her fingerprint on every life in this room, and many more who could not be here.
Typically at funerals, its customary to speak highly of a deceased person, even the lowest scoundrel. You take their good aspects and try to wrap them up in a positive bow, while quietly sweeping away their dark sides under the table.
But with Aunt Annelle - or "Aunt Pittypat" - an affectionate nickname our family gave her - we don't have to make her larger in death than she was in life.
Her reputation doesn't have to be whitewashed or exaggerated.
Earlier, Dad said the theme of all his conversations with people this weekend is her strong Christianity.
"She was the finest example of Christ I've ever known" is not a record that needs repairing. It's a truth that needs repeating!
Simply put, Annelle the gold standard of a Christian woman.
I am not lying when I say that I can't think of a SINGLE negative thing about her! And I'm sure everyone here today will agree. She was just that wonderful!
She was selfless and put everyone else above her. For her family, she was the glue that held us all together. And for her friends, she was a staple.
Gracious humbleness was her strong suite, quietly serving others while at the same time enhancing them.
She was loyal to a fault.
She always went the extra mile to be involved in my life. In fact, there's not a major event that I recall that she ever missed. She was a personal hero of mine, and I'm in the same boat as everyone, wondering why God took her away when we aren't ready to let her go yet.
The best scripture passage that I could use sums up Annelle's life in 2nd Timothy:
"But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord.
Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.
And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. " (2 Timothy 4:5-8 NLT)
The end of that verse contains a promise for all of us, that we will see her again! Because at His appearing, all of our loved ones who have died in Jesus will be with him!
She ran her race. She fought her fight. She poured out her life daily for God and others, and now she has an extravagant award!
As one of her favorite gospel singers Larnelle Harris, sang, "I've got friends in HIGH places, and I'm gonna be with them, someday..."
You see, so oftentimes we lose sight of the fact that everyone is on their own individual path with God, and we are just blessed when their paths just happen to touch ours through marriage, family, or friendship.
She just finished her path before us, that's all, and now she's cheering the rest of us on.
As we celebrate her memory and homecoming this morning, the sun outside shines just a little brighter than usual. The sky, which just happens to be a slightly richer shade of blue, declares the very existence of our Hope. The clouds carry winds of comfort proclaiming that she is full of abundunt joy as we honor her memory today.
And I can sense the warmth of her smile, as her parents L.D. and Jayne welcomed her into the glimmering gates of Paradise, ushering her down the golden streets and into the presence of the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. As she bowed down at His nail scarred feet, I can only imagine the twinkling in her eyes when the Saviour said to her, "well done, Annelle, my good and faithful servant!"
I've got friends, in high places
So high, but not so far away
I've got friends, in high places
And I'm gonna be with them - We're going to be with HER! -
One day
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