Funeral Changes

In high school and college I worked at The Basinger Funeral Home on College Ave. in Bluffton. Most of the time was spent washing the cars and making sure the funeral home was spotless. But every now and then, we did what a funeral home does...take care of dead bodies with care and respect. Some of you probably think you could never do that. For me, I looked at the body as a body. The real person, we can call it the "soul" or "spirit" wasn't there anymore. The real person left their "earth suit" behind to be physically resurrected later. It's also interesting to know the history behind funerals and how they are changing today. The science of embalming the body was discovered during the Civil War. The undertaker would embalm the body at home and the funeral would take place there, too. In the 1920's, the modern funeral home came into existence. When i worked at the Basinger Funeral Home, most funerals involved organ music, a eulogy, and some remarks by the pastor. Today you'll notice that many funerals now invite people to participate (participation is a huge cultural trend, this trend is also seen in reality television shows) and say a few words. Some funerals will even have themes. If the deceased was a Steelers fan, Pittsburgh gear and symbols will be displayed. Rolling Stones fan? Play their music and have funeral guests wear Stone's tongue logo. For me the issue needs to focus on who gets glorified. It's Jesus who gives breath and life eternal. So where should the emphasis be placed? For those who don't know Jesus, I guess it doesn't matter. For those who do follow Him, sure, celebrate the life now gone. But make sure the glory and honor is directed to the "I am the resurrection and the life." These are the days my friend.
Jim "Train"