Laughing in the face of death

Death is no laughing matter. It's a serious and unwelcome intrusion on life. But having just finished leading an amazing memorial service a couple hours ago, we were able to laugh in the face of death.

Sue Wise, a great lady who loved God, loved her family and loved people with all her heart, died suddenly on Dec. 29 at the age of 54. She was diagnosed two weeks ago with cancer. Two weeks later she's gone. We're still shocked.

That being said, the memorial service was precious. It was all about LIFE, LOVE AND LAUGHTER. Don't get me wrong...we weren't up front telling "knock-knock" jokes. But amidst the tears and genuine grief, there was hope and humor and flat-out laughter. Sue's husband, Chuck, knocked our socks off with some humorous insights from their marriage that was at the very same time profoundly touching.

Not everyone faces death that way. In fact, most don't. But Sue knew who she was and whose she was. She knew that death does not have the final word--Jesus does. And years ago Sue had received God's full and final pardon for her sin. And so she died as she had lived--with a sense of graciousness, peace and confidence in the God who had redeemed her.

So during the service and immediately after we wept some and laughed some and hugged alot and told stories and ate food and loved each other through it. Isn't that the way it's supposed to be? For all the times followers of Jesus mess up, I think we got that one right.