My Brother Died. My Friend is Dying. Two Bitter Sweet Services

I have attended services for two people close to me; a healing service (based on James 5:14 – 16, for my friend Clay and a memorial service for my brother Bobby.

Bobby died a couple years ago and my sister put together a wonderful memorial service. He had a large apartment and the first part of the service was held in the apartment complex meeting room. The whole thing was very nice; not too many people, but each of them had a real personal connection to my brother.

Several people spoke of personal remembrances, including me. I talked about the many health problems Bobby had faced without complaints.

I remembered as kids we fought! After all, we were brothers and we fought quite regularly…. “Outside!” my mother would command! “If you are going to do that, go outside!” I remember being chased by my much bigger brother and slyly pulling a chair in his way to aid my escape. Many chairs were pulled in Bobby’s way in life, but he pursued life with vengeance.

After the service in the meeting room we retired to his apartment. He had said that the most wonderful sound in life is the popping of a champagne cork. We popped a few, and the enjoyment of the moment continued!

Recently I attended a bittersweet service for my friend, my mentor, Clay. Clay has dispensed guidance to me for years, both in my business life, my spiritual life and just how to live life. He continues to do so today.

Recently our pastor, Rev. Rockness led a healing service for Clay with a few family and friends. It was bitter because we know that the prognosis for Clay is not great, but sweet because I know the outcome for Clay.

Healing? Maybe. We do not know God’s plans. We do not know what healing he may dispense. Sometimes he calms our storms, sometimes he calms us to withstand the storms. But after viewing Clay’s life for almost thirty years, I know the final outcome.

The bitter part of my brother’s memorial service? All during that wonderful service a cold rock of fear was there, for I am not assured of the final outcome for my brother.

So continue to pray for Clay. The Bible says, “and the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well (James 5:15) and “…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.“ (James 5: 16)

And remember the bitter part of a loved one leaving without assurance of the “outcome”...And act!