Have you ever been surprised by someone’s actions showing honor and respect toward you or your family? I would like to share with you my memory of sister Shelba’s funeral procession.
All of this took place in Crossville, TN. While heading out from the funeral home onto the main turnpike, we had a police officer escort the procession, which included several cars.
What I witnessed next blew me away. Cars on both sides of a divided four-lane highway pulled off onto the shoulder and waited patiently for the procession to pass. This happened for the full 8 to 10 miles we traveled. If someone didn’t pull over, they were honked at by those who were until they complied. The next few observations were the ones that touched my heart the most.
I saw a young man pull onto the shoulder, get out of his truck, and stood with his hat covering his heart. An officer not with us pulled over and did the same thing beside his cruiser. I was so touched by their show of respect. The people of Crossville took time out of their busy day for people they didn’t know to acknowledge the profound loss of our sister, and we could visually see the community support.
So what can we take away from this?
Our behavior and actions will be seen by those around us. Do we want to be known as those who saw the procession as a hindrance to our daily activities, or like those who took the extra step to honor the loss of someone?
Let us remember Romans 12:9-13, “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal. Be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”
Let us be the ones surprising others by living a life devoted to God, living out His commandments, and sharing with them His love.