FOR SHARRON Born February 9th 1959.... Murdered March or April 1975
Words Spoken at "Family Prayers"
On Friday April 4th, 1975 by Rev.
Dr. Charles C. Cochrane
................................
Dear Friends,
These are some of the things said about little children. Many of them are recorded in Matthew's Gospel, chapter 18.
Who so shall receive one such little child in my name, receives me." Gods own son puts himself in the place of a little child, and is not ashamed to do so. You and I should receive (accept) little children as we accept Jesus--with love; bearing them no ill-will, meaning them no harm, but only good.
"Who shall offend one of these little ones......it were better for him to be drowned in the depth of the sea." Dear Friends, I Fear for for the man who did this. No matter whether we catch him; he cannot escape God's anger and wrath. In another place in scripture we learn that " Vengeance is mine, says the Lord, I will repay." We need not to be anxious; God will avenge his little children.
And now, about Sharron. You and I saw a very great number of people come in to the chapel yesterday to pay their respects. But even if the casket were open, we would not have seen her. She is not here. This is Sharron's earthly body. Do you remember that on the first Easter morning, the three women came to Jesus' grave looking for their Lord?
They were met by the angel, who said to them: " He is not here; he is risen.........he is going before you into Galilee" (Mark 16:6).
She is not here; she is risen. Sharron has gone before us into heaven; and as Jesus said of little children " Always beholds the face of the Father which is in Heaven."
This does not happen "naturally"; mankind is mortal---we die. It happens only because God's own Son--who also died at the hands of violent men----was able to conquer death for us---for you, for me, and for Sharron.
Death may indeed be our fate----Whether it come at 16 or 64---but God is our destiny.
Let us pray together: O God, our merciful heavenly Father, our prayer is brief, but our need is great. We are ashamed of our lack of faith in your compassion and goodness. Please forgive us.We thank you for Sharron's life among us, brief though it was; for the beauty and strength of her character, and gentleness of her spirit. And now grant us your peace, which passes understanding; through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
2 comments:
What a beautiful family prayer for Sharron on that day. Thank you for sharing it with us today on Sharron's 50th birthday.
I have to say I am impressed that a family can keep such faith after such a tragedy has taken place. I know many people who say they have come to question their faith after losing a loved one in like manner.
God bless Doreen and the Prior family, and thank you for sharing this.
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