Cliches

I attended another funeral today, a young lady in the prime of her life killed in a tragic accident. As I listened to the messages at both church and grave I was considering all the little clichés that we can say to people in this situation. I’m not saying they are wrong and the both messages where powerfully delivered with much sincerity and compassion. I think of the common one, “Oh death where is thy sting”, I know it’s in the Bible and I know what it means, I just don’t like it much and am not quick to quote it to someone because it stings rightly. Someone said to me in the graveyard, “well at least they know where she’s at”, I wanted to yell at the person (I didn’t) well they certainly know where she’s not; she’s not in her usual seat at home, not with the one’s that loved her and enjoyed her company. My daughter ask me when I came home, “Well dad, how where they”. My answer was honey you know how they where, that’s what makes the difference. I find it quite strange now going to a funeral because I can read the situation so powerfully, I find myself feeling their emotion with them and even sharing in their pain. I find myself tracing their steps over the next weeks and months wanting so much to say stay close to God, home in on the Master, He’s the only one that can bring you through. There is hope, just trust Him.
Can I endorse my friend to beware of the clichés, they ring hollow and empty in a time of grief. If you’re not sure what to say then best say nothing at all, just support and love and that will be remembered long after the clichés have died their death.