From whence comes the strength of the funeral professional? Does it come from working out at the gym? Does it come from eating a balanced diet of healthy nutritional choices? Does it come from a box or a package or a pill? No. The strength of a funeral professional comes from the well within.
From the day we first look into the eyes of a widow we begin to get a glimpse of the higher power mirrored within each and every one of us. We realize that we are the awesome messengers of love and gentleness ? but ? just because we acknowledge our Creator does not mean that we will be immune and escape difficult times. That is simply not the case. When a death occurs and suffering follows, those who know God will be involved in that suffering also. It is then that our inner light ?shines before men?. But there is a peace and strength that God’s presence gives and so it is for the funeral professional whose feet are firmly planted on a foundation of faith.
?We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.? Reality tells us that we will experience problems in life. However, if we go through them while acknowledging our Creator, we can react to them with a different perspective and with a strength that can?t be found in a box of ?Wheaties?. When we empathize with the families walking though our doors, we have the opportunity to be a mirror of hope into the desolation of their lives.
No matter what happens in the world around us, God can be there for us. Though people do not always do the right things, God is still able to take horrible circumstances and bring about a plan for good. God is ultimately in control over world events and, if we believe, we can rest on the promise that all things work together for good.
I emphasize one more point. We don?t NEED to SHOUT out the good news from the arrangement office. Some customers may not appreciate that. You simply have to let it live ? in your smile and in your understanding ? the rest will follow.
I paraphrase when I quote ? “My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
