Attend a Funeral for a Wake-Up-Call
Yes! Attend one that is a celebration of life of one who lived to love and serve God and others with all his heart. And, when the last “Amen” is said, you are determined to step it up in your own life.
This one packed a punch — songs sung that stirred up the sweetest memories of congregations and choirs belting out praises to God that I grew up on. But most importantly, were the reflections about a 16-year-old who determined to serve God in ministry, was ordained at 25-years-old and impacted this world with the Gospel message. He was a pastor, Bible teacher, counselor, confidant, educator, mentor, and friend to many. In 1995, the Mayor of Ft. Worth and city council members came to their church and presented him with a Certificate of Recognition for Distinguished Service. He reached the end of the spectrum by ministering to heroin addicts in Brooklyn, NY’s ghettos with David Wilkerson, and the Teen Challenge Team, to the sharpest minds of those seeking the truth of God’s Word as Dean of Theology at Oral Roberts University.
The beautiful soul I’m talking about is Dr. Charles Snow, my cousin Mary Ellen’s beloved husband for 63 years. Of three sons, their middle son, Pastor Daren Snow of Crossroads Church in Chicago was the emcee. He said: “My dad had “rock solid” faith that melted away my fears and tears.” A very close friend said: “Charles’ life was built on the “bedrock” of scripture.” And another friend said: “Charles, you have been our “rock”. It’s not about me, but it sure personified the blog I posted yesterday about our “Rock Solid Foundation”. Charles WAS rock solid in his faith, his example, his love and respect for his beloved wife, Mary Ellen, his children, his friends, and his “sheep”. This is what a Celebration of Life should look like. It becomes a “wake-up-call” that inspires us to live our lives with no regrets, too!
My years living in Frisco Lakes (a 55+ active adult community in Frisco, TX) were super enhanced by living just a few blocks from Charles and Mary Ellen. It was a blessing for us to reunite and carry on where we left off in family memories and joys. Then, along came Covid and our churches were shut down and we hibernated in our homes. I was a bit of a defector in the sense that I would go grocery shopping for them and me. It kept us connected when we needed each other the most.
On Easter Sunday, 2020, neighbors walking by, heard Tim Johnson playing his grand piano and asked if they could sit outside and listen and of course Tim said they could. Tim and LaDonna Gatlin Johnson (sister to the Gatlin Brothers), and beloved friends of Charles and Mary Ellen, after coaxing from neighbors, then began to set up their electric piano and sound system in their garage each Sunday. They led us in uplifting praise and worship songs. And they asked Charles if he would be the pastor of the gathering. Week-after-week the number of attendees grew with people bringing lawn chairs while others drove up in their golf carts. We social-distanced. During that tough pandemic season, Pastor Charles and his mini sermons reminded us that “God is in control” and he made us feel secure in an unsecure world. What a gift he gave us! Charles never realized his last church would be at “The First Church of the Driveway”. That driveway and lawn church ended when Pastor Charles became very ill. I think it can be safely and accurately said, of Charles: Mission accomplished!
This Celebration of Life left me with a lasting impression. Just hearing such words of tribute, can sure make us desire to be a bright light as we live for Jesus. That’s what matters. I want to represent well the life that God has given me. Maybe it’s time we all start today with eternity in mind and the words that will be said of us at our memorial service. Maybe it would create the desire in us to step it up a notch.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father Who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16