It's ironic how - from the passing of one - we save the life of another...

Sharon and I traveled to South Carolina for the homegoing of my Aunt Mary. As with most funerals/homegoings, it was a family reunion prompted by the occasion of death. Isn't it interesting how families that do not have consistent family reunions always realize the need for them at funerals? It was such a joy seeing and embracing my aunts, uncles, neices, nephews and cousins that I hadn't seen in quite some time. It was comforting to be able to celebrate the life of such a strong Christian woman and to be assured of her eternity because of her life's profession.

My auntie would always say - "I want to live what I testify and testify what I live." Well her testimony was well lived. She left no room for doubt. She loved Jesus!

I was so impressed by the love and care that her pastors, Lorenzo and Janice Mouzon, pastors of Atlanta Miracle Revival Center, extended to the bereaved family. My auntie's only daughter and grandchildren are all members, as was my auntie. The Mouzons displayed the love and care that every pastor should give their members during such difficult times. I've known the Mouzons since my childhood. We grew up together under my mother's ministry. However, this was my first time seeing them in action as pastors. I was so blessed by what I witnessed. Keep up the great work!

Pastor Lorenzo eulogized my aunt. He did a wonderful job. One of the things that struck me during his eulogy was when he elaborated on the need for people to not let insignificant issues destroy relationships. He stated (paraphrasing as best I can), "You've got to put things in the right perspective - in God's perspective. Then you'll realize, 'this thing isn't big enough for me to miss God over it.'" I thought the statement was worth repeating. It made me think. I hope that it does the same for you.

Ironically (or maybe it was providence - who knows?) I had recently read a chapter in The Purpose Driven Life that dealt with the same thing. Rick Warren talked about the difference between reconciliation and resolution. My experience has been that in churches we look for resolution before reconciliation. But, if love and fellowship are to persist, we must be able to accept the fact that we may never see eye-to-eye. But that doesn't change the facts that we are still siblings in the body of Christ and that we both are of equal significance to the body of Christ, regardless of our differences and diversity.

So while we were at the gravesite we noticed that someone had abandoned three little puppies on the side of the road. My cousin, my neice and I took the three puppies and give each of them homes. Now, one is in NY, one in NC and Sharon and I have our little one here in Virginia. We named him "Cain" since he was found in "Cainhoy" and since he was huddled up next to his sibling - trying to stay warm - reminding me of "Cain and Abel", although "Abel" turned out to be a girl who was later named "Fancie" by my neice in NC. Anyway, it was very moving to see them. The puppies hadn't been left there long - they weren't starving, dehydrated nor flea-infested. But all of those things would have happened soon if someone hadn't taken them into their homes.

It is hillarious watching Rocky adapt to having a little puppy in the house. You remember Rocky? My 80+ pound Pitbull? Well, he thinks Cain is a toy. But he's slowly adjusting. He really likes him. I think they are going to develop a great relationship. Nobody will be able to mess with Cain without his big brother coming to the rescue.

So Cain will be a constant reminder of the love of my Auntie. As she was laid to rest right beside her sister, my mother, another life was rescued. Little Cain from Cainhoy lives.

Okay - enough for today. I'll give you some info about the CD later this week.

Shalom!