Celebration of Life: Mary Jean Cluett

A God Who Leads

It is with both grieving and celebrating hearts that we gather here . A special thank you to all of you who are attending. Today, we celebrate the beautiful life of Ms. Mary Jean Cluett. Mrs. Cluett’s life was full of love, service, and servant leadership. It is no secret that her life was bathed in a spirit of excellence. She worked in various hospitality businesses, and did so with a strong work ethic. When I hear the stories of Mrs. Cluett and her heart of leadership and love, I cannot help but think of the character of God as described in Psalm 23.

Verses 1-3 say:

Psalm 23:1–3 ESV

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

The God whom we serve and love is One who does not desire for us perish. Death was not part of God’s original plan. He designed life to be full of abundance and nourishment. But with the entrance of evil, human history took a tragic turn. It seemed like there was no way to rescue a world wrought with sin. But God, rich in mercy, decided to save those whom He loved most. Psalms 23:1-3 tell me that our God is one that leads us beside peaceful waters, greener pastures, and paths of righteousness. Mrs. Cluett also led from a very similar place. It is said that, in her real estate business, Mrs. Cluett did whatever she could to help her clients find their dream home. She was not motivated or tempted by selfish gain. Instead, she led her friends and family to lands of peace and love. I know that God was so delighted to see His daughter carry herself in such a way.

The Psalm continues in verse 4, saying:

Psalm 23:4 ESV

4 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.

This text shows me that God is not an unrealistic God. It is easy to think that God is indifferent to our experience. The reason why the story of Jesus is so powerful is because it shows us that God understands what we are going through. He knows the sting of death. He knows the tragedy of evil. He knows the cries of His children. He knows because He’s experienced it too. This text tells me that God not only recognizes the weight of death, but is also willing to walk us through it. He is not absent in the midst of our suffering and grieving. Instead, the verse tells me that God walks with us. It’s no surprise to hear that we live in a fear-induced world. Just from a scroll through your phone, we can be injected with fear. Viruses. Divisions. Death. A continual influx of such news will inevitably stir within us a great sense of fear. God knows this very well. But His antidote is quite interesting. It isn’t so much about valiant courage, but more so about God’s presence. To be present with the Presence of God is to soothe the pains of fear. To know and believe that the God of the universe lives inside of you is to experience a divine peace. To trust in the comfort of God’s protection is to feel His protection. As we celebrate Mrs. Cluett’s life, may we never forget God’s presence in our everyday lives.

The Psalm ends in verses 5-6, saying:

Psalm 23:5–6 ESV

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

God is an inclusive God. He loves to welcome those who are marginalized, those who are shunned, those who do not feel like they belong. Mrs. Cluett had a gift for making people feel seen and wanted. How amazing it is to feel wanted! There are so many people in our world that find it so easy to push others to the side. Maybe some of us have been guilty of doing the same. Stories like Mrs. Cluett encourage me to put my pride away. Bible verses like Psalm 23:5-6 teach me to be compassionate toward every person I meet—no matter their standing in the world. To sit at the welcome table the day Christ comes back is a day I cannot wait for. It is with much grace and anticipation that we wait to see Jesus come again. To close, I would like to read an encouraging passage from the Apostle Paul:

1 Thessalonians 5:1–11 ESV

1 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. 2 For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. 5 For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. 6 So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

We are children of light. Mrs. Mary Jean Cluett lived a life full of light. As we await the coming of our Lord and King, may we not be distracted. May we always be compassion towards others in their suffering. May we forgive those who have wronged us. May we love those who are considered unlovable. May we be ever present with the presence of God.

May Jesus come soon.