it is well

When my grandmother died many years ago, my mom told me how Grandma had written her favorite hymns in her Bible to be played/sang at her funeral.  Being young and having little experience with death I found that kind of morbid.  

Growing up some and being a little more mature (I said "a little") I understand it a bit more clearly.  It was less about focusing on their "funeral songs" and more of an opportunity to share with those they loved one more time.  To share songs and words that spoke to them with the hopes that it might speak to their loved ones about how they lived their life.  To share their perspective, their hopes and desires for the ones they left behind.

After my Dad passed away, I wrote my first hymn down in my Bible.  I have a beautiful sign in my house with the refrain painted on it.  It truly is my perspective and something I hope to pass on to my children.  Last Friday at the funeral I attended we sang that hymn.  

377. It Is Well with My Soul

Text: Horatio G. Spafford 

Music: Philip P. Bliss 

---

1.	When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,  when sorrows like sea billows roll; 
	whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, 
	It is well, it is well with my soul. 

 Refrain:
	It is well with my soul, 
	it is well, it is well with my soul. 

 2.	Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, 
	let this blest assurance control, 
	that Christ has regarded my helpless estate, 
	and hath shed his own blood for my soul. 
	(Refrain) 

 3.	My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought! 
	My sin, not in part but the whole, 
	is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, 
	praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! 
	(Refrain) 

 4.	And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, 
	the clouds be rolled back as a scroll; 
	the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, 
	even so, it is well with my soul. 
	(Refrain) 

Our pastor taught on the 23rd Psalm this morning and near the end of his sermon, he read the words to this song.  At that point, I knew that I should post this blog that I had started last week (sometimes I write and then get insecure about what I've written...) because that felt like enough confirmation to me.

When I pass on, I want my "sermon" to come through this song.  Listen up family and friends who come to my "life celebration!"  This is my important message to you: no matter what is happening in life, let this be your deep down comfort, that because you have been saved by the grace of Jesus on that cross, it is well with your soul. Life might feel crazy, but that is steadfast.  

(I do reserve the right to add other songs and hymns to my funeral; I'm going to live a long life, after all!)

So the next time you have to attend the funeral if one you love, listen carefully to the words of their favorite songs and hymns.  There might just be a message from them to you. 

KC