Polly Phillips Funeral

Song - Stardust

Intro

Song - Stardust

On behalf of the family I’d like to welcome everyone as we remember and celebrate the life of Grandma Polly. When I first started speaking with the family I started to write her full name—I was quickly corrected and informed she is Grandma Polly!

Life can be so busy. Often we go on like there will always be more time, but suddenly we realize time is fleeting. These days force us to hit the pause button for a bit. Everything else will just have to wait. Today we’ll remember a wife, a mom, a grandma, great-grandma, a great-great grandma, a friend, a neighbor, and so much more. There will be stories told and memories shared—laughter and tears. And that’s okay.

Obituary

Flossie Pauline "Polly" Phillips (Grandma Polly), 95, Indianapolis, passed away July 10, 2018 at her home. She was born in New Maysville, Indiana on August 11, 1922 to Rebecca and John Miller. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Gerald D. Phillips, Sr (refer to the song Stardust).; daughter, Rita A. Finnegan; great grandson, Skyler Finnegan. She is survived by her children, Gerald D. Phillips, Jr. "Butch", Sandra Cloyd (Earl), Judy Thorne, Lisa Lyn Kruger (Kris) and son in law, Larry Finnegan. 14 grandchildren; Phillip Reehling, Jill Slinger, Paul Reehling, Brian Finnegan, Pamela Gilmer, Mark Finnegan, Susan Finnegan, Shawn Thorne, Peter Reehling, Nathan Thorne, Michelle Gill, Jakob Phillips, Dillon Kruger, Mackenzie Kruger. 31 great-grandchildren and 3 great -great grandchildren.

Prayer

A few times each year I have the opportunity to sit down with a family and try to get to know a loved one who has passed. Sometimes I haven’t met the person or as in Grandma Polly’s case, I only got to meet for a short period of time when we prayed together a couple of days ago.

Often it is difficult to get to know their loved-one because each person’s experience is so different. Rarely, does everyone’s story match!

That wasn’t the case a few days ago when I sat down with your family. Honestly, I found it quite amazing that Grandma Polly’s life was so consistent that everyone said the same thing! It reminded me of a Bible verse:

Proverbs 22:1 NIV

1 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

Prov22:

Polly shows this verse to be true. 200 people came to her 95th birthday party!

Over and over I heard stories of selflessness and incredible generosity. Stories of how she’d:

give you her last $5 if that’s what you needed.

try to help folks in a tight spot.

When the church would drop by a meal, she’d make sure it got to a person who might not have a meal, or a kitchen to cook a meal in.

She crocheted 50 scarves for the workers as the Colts games that had to work outside.

How many people have received a pillow? I couldn’t believe the number I heard; 9023 pillows handmade and given as gifts. They’ve even been delivered on missions trips as far as Mexico and Romania!

It’s also the memories:

Her favorite story was how she worked 2 days straight at RCA so they could come out with the new 45 record player. All the young folks just whispered; what a 45?

Or her love of KitKats - I can’t blame her there.

Or the way she’d paint her toenails in Pacer blue and gold!

The birthday cards with cash. She had to send cash because the grandkids wouldn’t cash her checks.

Or, as Michelle shared the memory of crawling up in bed as a child to snuggle with Grandma Polly.

For 72 years she made Reisner St. a little brighter.

Proverbs 22:1 NIV

1 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

The world needs more Pollys. Can I challenge you with something? Each one of you that knew and loved Polly had the privilege of being near a special woman. Live her legacy. Take time to help and love and share. And keep making the world a little brighter by doing so.

Song

Save a Place for Me

Text

Days like today are hard though. We have to say goodbye, for a while. We have to be honest, days like today hurt. Today, we’ll say goodbye for a while. For those who know Jesus as Lord, these days still hurt, but they aren’t without hope. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Even in (I’d say especially in) death, there is reason for celebration…even in the pain.

For the next few minutes I’d like to read you a passage of Scripture. It’s a special passage. You may have been in church your entire life or today may be the first time and chances are, you’ve heard this somewhere before. It has a way of providing comfort, when none is to be found.

First, let me give you a little background.

Three thousand years ago there was a young man who would someday be a king. His name was David and he was facing one of the darkest times he would ever face. People were attempting to take his life. There seemed to be no end to his pain. In the midst of the chaos and pain, he wrote a song about the sovereign protection of God. The song contains some of the most famous words that would ever be written. Through the centuries, millions have memorized it and found comfort in difficult times. It’s the 23rd Psalm. It’s interesting that David, in the darkest of nights, compared the peace in his heart to being a sheep. Seems kinda odd, sheep should be afraid of everything, but fear nothing, because of the shepherd’s love and protection. I’d like to read it to you:

Psalm 23 NIV

A psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Twelve short lines – packed with truth. The 23rd Psalm has a bunch to say but I’d like to pick out a few things:

Who is the Shepherd?

The Bible makes that perfectly clear. We read in the gospel according to John that Jesus said, “I am the good Shepherd...I lay own my life for my sheep.” The Psalm tells of the shepherd who provides everything the sheep will need. It was Jesus, the Great Shepherd who provided for us in the greatest possible way. He went to a hill called Calvary and laid down his life on a cross for the sin of those whom he loves, even though we didn’t deserve it. That’s why we call it amazing grace.

This provision is not just physical, but it is also emotional and spiritual as well. It may be a well-timed card or something even as simple as a hug. This is a charge to everyone here: don’t let those hurting walk through this alone. Watch as God works through you as we support them as they deal with the coming days without Polly.Jesus is the true Shepherd who, even though he has many sheep, goes after the one who’s gone astray. He loves you as well.

Jesus the Good Shepherd, is our protector.

David writes, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” It is important to notice that David wrote, “I walk through” not “I walk around.” There’s no way to avoid this valley. The valley has come; we are in it today. And frankly, it will come again. But one of the most comforting thoughts one can have is when God softens your heart to realize his great love and protection even in hard times.

When my son was little we would hold hands as we crossed the road. He knew this would keep him from harm because I would make sure there was no oncoming traffic or something that could hurt him. So he’d hang on to me to make sure he was safe. What he didn’t know is that if we got to the middle of the road and the traffic would start to buzz around him and maybe he would get confused and scared and try to let go of my hand, he was still safe. He was safe not because he was holding my hand. He was safe because I held his hand, and I don’t let go. That’s the way it is with God. He holds onto his loved ones and shields from the dangers of life that can so quickly overtake us. See, if I’m just an ordinary dad doing anything any other father would do, don’t you think God, our perfect Heavenly Father wouldn’t do more? Of course He will protect, even in the darkest night. That’s why later the Apostle Paul would write from prison, “But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me…. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom.” Often we just need to take the time to realize he’s with us.

Jesus the Good Shepherd, is present.

Some like to think of God as someone who watches from a distance, like a kindly grandpa who would like to help if he could. That’s not the picture Scripture provides. David reminds us that God is always there. This puts our mind at rest. We can feel so alone when we are suffering but God has promised he will always be with us. Always, not just in the good times, but in the valleys where we stand today. Jesus said to his followers, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” And maybe that’s why David wrote, “Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Great words—great promises. So now we say goodbye to a special lady for a while.

Pray

Song - Amazing Grace