A while back, I told you a little bit about some misconceptions people may have about funerals. In this post, I wish to convey the purpose of the funeral. Personalized funeral ceremonies provide an outlet for survivors to acknowledge their loss and experience their pain in ways that can be full of meaning. Funerals have been with us since the beginning of human history because they help us move from life before death to life after death.

• Funerals confirm that someone we love has died. MIA is more painful than DOA. Knowing is better than not knowing. This is why funerals bring us face to face with what has really happened. That confirmation of death is a sort of comfort for those whose lives press forward.
• Funerals encourage us to embrace and express our pain. Funerals are a safe place to grieve openly. The Bible tells us in the 5th chapter of Matthew: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.â€� Funerals offer a time where grieving individuals are surrounded by the love and support of other family, friends and members of the surrounding community.
• Funerals offer a time and place for us to talk about the life and death of our loved one who has died. Time and time again, families find comfort in sharing stories about their loved on who has died. The funeral is a place to begin to perpetually eulogize and individual; to say that “this person lived and was very special to me.â€�
• Funerals help integrate mourners back into the community. Life after the death of a loved one will never be the same. Funeral are a place that the friends and acquaintances offer not only emotional support, but also social support. Community helps to lessen that sense of loneliness after the death of a loved one.

I would once again like to offer myself to you as a resource for your church, class or civic group. I am available to come speak about any death, dying, grief and funeral topics you may want more information on.

www.wietingfuneralhome.com