One Huge Funeral!

As most of you know, I have been involved in many funerals--small, medium, large, and extra large but today's was a XX large. Let me put it this way: Kevin Poole's funeral was the largest attended funeral service I ever remember. Now, bear in mind that Kevin was not the governor or a senator or even the mayor; he was a 26 year old man, who worked for the state highway department, was an incredible athlete (especially baseball pitcher), was not married, and lived in the big town of Butler, Georgia. His own parents were astonished at the number of people who attended both the visitation last night and the funeral service today. As we stood by Kevin's graveside, his dad said, "Mac, how in the world do we ever thank this many people?" What you don't know is this: at the time he asked me that question, a huge crowd of mourners were literally standing in pouring rain and getting soaking wet! I am telling you: it was one sight to behold. One man said, "Mac, I don't think my wife would stand out in the rain to attend my funeral." Some sights are, indeed, wonders of the world and this was one of them.

Kevin's parents are the most precious people you could ever meet; watching them today was not only a very sad experience, but also a most encouraging experience. Even in the midst of burying their son, they believed (and strongly so) that God is in control and that He is doing a good thing!

One of the speakers, a coach, told us about the last time he saw Kevin, sometimes in June (if I remember correctly), and this is what he said about that experience: "When we parted, Kevin kissed me on the cheek said, 'I love you!' Those are the last words he spoke to me."

What more can I say?

By the way, I trust that our service today was meaningful to you; I do know that I really appreciated John's leadership today. He means much to me and I know the same is true for you.

Blessings from one tired preacher!