Beautifully Human (Eulogy: Leasa Denise Cunningham)

Scripture

Hebrews 2:14 ESV

14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,

Introduction

On Jill Scott’s 2004 Beautifully Human Album Cover, she is shown as a child with her hair braided or rather platted with purple and yellow bows- with her tooth missing.

"The reason that I've had to wait is I needed to live," Scott says. "I needed to go grocery shopping, and sit on my grandmother's porch, to sleep in my mother's nightgown and get on my grandmother's bed -- things that matter to me.

"I needed to cry a little bit, to reassess my life because it had changed so much."

The nouns, verbs and melodies, together, suggest that life can be beautiful as we make it. Introducing, “Beautifully Human – Words and Sounds Vol. 2” (Hidden Beach Recordings).

In her own words, Jill is a poet, first, and will die as such. With “Beautifully Human,” she has opened her heart as an offering. “Music is supposed to touch people and act as the bridge between one human being and another. I want listeners to feel something when they experience this album – there are songs to remind us to get wild, be quiet and also, be revolutionary.”

Affectionate

“Braiding granddaughter’s hair- even with pain of Arthritis”

Transition To Body- Beauty of Humanity be created in the image of God

Hebrews 2:5–8 ESV

5 For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. 6 It has been testified somewhere, “What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him? 7 You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor, 8 putting everything in subjection under his feet.” Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him.

Body

Jesus Bringing Many Sons To Glory Through Suffering (2:10)

Hebrews 2:10 ESV

10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.

“No matter how bad her pain and difficult her breathing, Sis. Leasa always got on the plane.”

Jesus Not Being Ashamed Of His Family- The Son’s Solidarity with the “Sons” (2:11–13)

Hebrews 2:11–13 ESV

11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.” 13 And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.”

Jesus Helps The Faithful- The offspring of Abraham, The Reasons for the Incarnation (2:14–16)

Hebrews 2:14–16 ESV

14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham.

Sis. Leasa would help her family

Transition To Close- Jesus Made Like His Family In Every Respect

Hebrews 2:17–18 ESV

17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Our Sympathetic High Priest

Hebrews 4:15–16 ESV

15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

God Loves You!

John 3:16–17 ESV

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Live An Abundant Life

John 10:10 ESV

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Our God Of All Comfort

2 Corinthians 1:3–5 ESV

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.

Close- Jesus Manifested In Flesh

It’s Alright To Cry

John 11:35 ESV

35 Jesus wept.

You’re Going To Weep Sometimes

Psalm 30:5 ESV

5 For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.

Jesus Will Wipe Away Every Tear

Revelation 21:4–5 ESV

4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” 5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

John 11:25 ESV

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,

1 Timothy 3:16 ESV

16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.