Brenda Crowe Funeral Sermon

Friends

“Why don’t you stop worrying about sounding smart and just be yourself.” — Monica to Joey (Season 10, Episode 5)

I thought that was good advice for me as I was preparing to speak to you today.

It is a quote from the show “Friends”, which Brenda’s kids told me was her very favorite show.

She had watched every episode to the point she could basically quote them.

She would even adjust her schedule around the reruns on TV, even though she had the DVDs to watch any time she wanted.

It is memories like these that will continue to make you smile and make you cry in the days, weeks, months, and even years to come.

Remembering her voice when she reminded you to “Do what’s right”

Or told you to “straighten up”.

Or accidently mispronounced Harry S Truman’s name.

Grief has stages, but the reality that someone we love is no longer here stays with us.

And that is what makes death so hard…

Paul calls death “our enemy” in 1 Corinthians 15, and I think that is an accurate description.

There is a reason Death Hurts

Paul’s words in romans 8 are helpful:

Romans 8:20–21 ESV

20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

If you look back at the creation story in Genesis 1 and 2 you won’t find a mention of death other than God’s warning about what would happen if they didn’t listen to God.

The reason death hurts is that it was not a part of God’s plan for creation.

God designed us for life, not death.

In Genesis 3 we learn that death is a result of sin.

It is a result of Adam and Eve disobeying God and choosing their own way.

There is a deep-seeded feeling inside every person in this room, everyone on this earth, that death is somehow wrong, a sign that something is broken.

Paul describes this feeling in the next verses.

Romans 8:21–23 ESV

21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

The pain you feel today is the same pain all of creation feels, the groaning that come from a broken world.

God didn’t design us to die, and that is why it hurts to experience it as we are today.

But there is a reason for Hope

Paul goes on to tell us what those groanings we feel in our hearts are pointing toward.

Romans 8:24–25 (ESV)

we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?

25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Today we mourn, we grieve, and we groan, because the precious lady you called mom, aunt, sister, cousin, or friend is gone.

Remembering the kindness, generosity, and selflessness Brenda showed you and those around her.

How, even in our final days, she was more concerned with others than herself.

But Paul is telling us our mourning and our groaning is pointing toward a hopeful future.

For one day, all that is broken and messed up in this world will be made right through Jesus.

And those who know Him and have put their faith in Him as Savior and Lord will be welcomed into His kingdom.

Because of her faith in Jesus, we trust that Brenda is enjoying a taste of God’s kingdom right now as we sit in this room.

Paul is telling us that there is a day we are all approaching in our lives when we will pass away from this life and, for those with faith in Jesus, there is a hope that helps us through even the worst of circumstances in this life.

Death and all that comes with it has been defeated in Jesus.

Rev 21 1-4 is a beautiful promise for those who have received Jesus as savior and Lord.

Revelation 21:1–4 NIV

1 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

The groaning and pain we feel at the loss of a loved one is the longing we have for this day, when all things are made right in Jesus.

You have permission to mourn as you remember Brenda’s life and grieve that she is no longer here.

But know this truth, Jesus has overcome death, He has won the victory For those that know him and have received him as savior and lord.

So may the pain you feel today lead you to seek peace and rest in the promises of Christ and the hope found only in Him.

Brenda’s Favorite Verse

Philippians 4:13 ESV

13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

I was told she had a shirt with this verse on it.

I trust those words brought Brenda a lot of comfort in the last couple years, and especially in these last few weeks.

Paul’s words here aren’t a promise that we can literally do anything we want because of Jesus.

No, it is a declaration that, through Christ, nothing is too large for us to overcome and nothing is too complicated for God to lead us through.

The days ahead will be different, they will be hard, and they will be sad, but remember this verse as you remember Brenda.

Through Christ you can find the strength and the hope to persevere.

PRAY

Graveside

As we lay Brenda to rest today hold on to the memories you have of her.

Tell stories, look through pictures, and remind yourselves of the person Brenda was to you and hope she had in her faith in the Lord.

And as you do, remember the promise of our Lord in Psalm 34:18 and Matthew 11:28-29

Psalm 34:18 ESV

18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Matthew 11:28–29 ESV

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Prayer

We commit Brenda to you Lord.

We pray your peace would rest in the hearts of Brenda’s family and friends here today.

Help them to feel your closeness and your comfort in their broken heartedness.

Thank you for Brenda’s life and the influence you allowed her to have in those here and so many more.