Dad Funeral

Although I have spent years knowing I would stand here today, wanting to be the one who had the privilege of standing here today, I am overwhelmingly ill-equipped to do this justice.

Not doubt you have read the obituary and know what it says. I will repeat only two parts of it: 1.He was the son of Homer Wesley and Sallie Belle Hoffman. There is something deeply honoring about calling the names an old man’s parents one more time. Those names dont get said very often any more, but today we remember. Not only were they his parents, but they have a lot to do with who we are. 2.For 61 years he loved my momma, and she loved him back! To watch how, i mean the manner in which she loved him and took care of him and doted on him was to get to see the most unselfish attitude of love I have ever seen. What an incredible display, from the both of them, of faithfulness.

You all have your own memories. He was either Uncle Gaylon, Poppa or Dad. From the time I was about 8 or 9 years old until I moved out of the house, there was always one time of day when I knew exactly where he would be. Somewhere between 5 and 6 in the morning, every morning, he would be sitting in the living room, cup of coffee next to him on the side table, bible in his lap. So when I got my first speeding ticket… Whatever you remember about him, remember he loves you and he loves Jesus.

As we have sat around and reminisced, looking through pictures, we remember things about him we had forgotten. Maybe things age and illness had stolen. Those huge dimples (of the ‘plumper’ version of him) that are in every picture of him with his grandkids.

There are no more comforting words for a time like this than the words the 23rd Psalm.

Psalm 23 ESV

A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

As shepherd He always has our best interests at heart. Romans 8:28 tells us He works everything for the good of those who love Him. If He leads us on rocky paths, He first puts good shoes on our feet.

The times of our lived are not the same. This psalm says there are seasons of life where we are led to green pastures and by still waters. Where He provides and protects and life happens. But He also leads us through the valley of the shadow of death. This is where we are walking today. But take encouragement from His words. Even though you are there, you have nothing to fear when you belong to the Lord our Shepherd. Because, as it says, He is here with us.

No matter what the time of our life, when God is present, so is his peace, strength and comfort. But we can only receive the peace of God when we make peace WITH God. Elsewhere in scripture it is referred to as peace that passes understanding. It may seem like we’re in the middle of chaos, but we have an internal peace that defies explanation. Making difficult decisions and simply putting one foot in front of the other requires His strength in times like this. But Jesus promised us the presence of God in the form of the Holy Spirit, whom He called ‘another comforter, to be with you forever’. The ever-present comforting of the Holy Spirit gets us through this season. This valley.

Goodness and mercy are faithful servants of of God. They are obedient and ever present. Sometimes they deliver what we cant see, or what we cant see as what is best, but it always is. In the part of the world this psalm was written, the shepherd led his sheep. We see that wording clearly in our text. But history tells us often times as the shepherd was leading, there would have been sheep dogs at the back of the flock. They would have nipped at the heels of those lagging behind. Any sheep who turned to go astray would have been sent back to the flock. I cant help but wonder if David the shepherd boy had named one of his sheep dogs goodness and the other mercy.

The psalmist closes this chapter with the certain hope: Surely, Certainly, goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. A great promise for everyone who knows Him as Savior and Lord. Do you know Him today?

Dad has now stood before his maker. He has bowed in wonderful, perfect worship to his King. He has given his heartfelt hallelujah. After seeing all he as seen, if there was one thing he could come back here, today, and tell you, I believe it would be ‘it’s worth it’.