Funeral Service: Ollie

Ollie’s Final Singing

Matthew 25:34–40 “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it unto me.”

Proverbs 22:1 “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, And loving favour rather than silver and gold.”

Here, Paul is writing to tell believers how to act like believers. He’s reminding them of what Christian conduct is to look like. And at some point, we all need that reminder. Sometimes God sends those reminders through Scripture. Other times He gives us a living examples, through people.

Harmony: blending together of different notes to make one chord. Bringing out the best of all the individual notes. Ollie brought the harmony by loving people well. Mercy, kindness, humbleness, meekness, longsuffering patience, forgiveness.

Phone calls, visits, poundcake, supper at Pizza Farm. “Hey, everybody knows me.” He was bringing harmony to the group.

Matt. 25: “Hungry… thirsty… stranger invited in… naked… sick, visited me… in prison, came to me… Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”

Melody: part that stands out the most, makes it memorable. Most basic part of the song. Love/Charity is that main note that sticks out in Ollie’s life. John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Timing & Rhythm: What sets the pace of the song and gives it its feel. Time: Peace of God ruling in his heart. That’s what set the pace. I never saw Ollie hurried, hasty, anxious, frustrated. Rhythm: gives it some personality, makes it interesting. Humor and honesty.

Repeats, Refrains: series of notes or repeated phrases that show up over and over, emphasizing something. Be thankful. Home, garden, family, children, grandchildren. He was thankful for what he had received from the Lord. Do it heartily. Simple things that he did faithfully, consistently, humbly.

What will the refrains be for you? Shape notes, raised bed garden, armadillos, TicTacs and Tie Tacks.

Rests: Parts when some voices are silent while others carry on. This is where we are now. His voice is silent, but we know that we will hear it again someday.

A rest doesn’t mean the music is over. Note is quiet for now, but will rejoin the others at the appointed time.