I don't really like traditional funerals. I think they are too depressing, and often the person the service is for is the thing that's least talked about. Instead, the preacher uses the funeral as another venue to spread his message.

I really believe that my loved ones' are better off, and in a better place. We are supposed to cry when people are born, and laugh when they go. Rejoice in the fact that they are not suffering any longer, or in this world that is full of trial and strife! I fully believe in Heaven and Hell. I just don't think talking to people about finding God before its too late is appropriate at a funeral. A funeral is supposed to be a tribute to the person that died. The talk should be about them. How they lived, who they were, and how people loved them. I believe the preacher should talk about the loved one being with God now, and the joy they must be feeling! I would hate to think that all the talk about going to Hell if you don't get prepared made someone worry about their loved one's soul, instead of remembering them for the great person they were. I wonder if the preachers' ever stop to think about it this way? Would they do things differently if they did? I would hope so!

I just recently lost my Father, and I miss him terribly. When deciding on the type of service to have for him I knew I didn't want a traditional funeral. We decided to bury him at a national cemetery for veterans. Instead of having a preacher at the funeral, I read a poem in my Father's honor. After that the military did the flag ceremony. It was a very dignified service that showed the respect my Father deserved. There were some tears shed at the funeral, but there was more talk of the good times and shared memories. I know this is the way he would have wanted it, because his few of funerals matched my own.

I believe that people want to be missed, and not forgotten. I just think there are better ways to do it than what traditional funerals offer. I guess I just prefer to remember the person that died in a more positive light than most funerals provide. What better way to show your respects for a loved one than to give them a happy farewell!

Learn more about this author, Angel Sharum.
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