Eulogy

I received the following article from Serving Strong about eulogy which means good words. Having had almost a funeral a week recently, it struck me about what we say when someone we love dies. Wouldn't it be great that we remember to say these "good words" even while our loved one is alive. Also there is a form that we can use to say those things even to ourselves. As long as we remember to owe our life, our gifts, our talents, and our relationships to God.






PowerMail (by Serving Strong)
A minute just for you because you help others
Issue #199


Good Words

What comes to your mind when you think of the word Eulogy? Probably morbid. A casket. People wearing black. Tears. Heartache.

Let me share another perspective with you. In the Greek, the word Eulogy means "good words." A Eulogy is normally a speech or writing in praise of a person, especially one recently deceased or retired. They may be given as part of funeral services. But they can also praise a living person or people who are still alive, which normally takes place on special occasions like birthdays.

Good Words

Life goes fast. Before we know it, we're in our mid 40's looking back on memories that are growing decades old. "Life is what happens when you're busy getting ready for it", someone once said. If we're not careful, we will miss out on a bunch of opportunities to live the life God truly intended for us to live.

Therefore, I want to really challenge you with this issue. Make a commitment to think about your own personal "good words". First, think of what you want people to say about you and the life you led for Christ. Second, think of the character traits it takes to fulfill those words. Third, start digging into scripture, prayer, and good books to continuously grow in these character traits.

To help you, I've created a very simple form. You can download it free here. It's part of the free downloads on my Resources Page.

Make the most of your life. Start this week!

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My Eulogy Worksheet
1) First, find a time and location where your best creativity seems to flow best. Think, with as much detail, what you would like to have said about you at your funeral. Don’t worry about grammar, spelling or punctuation. Just write fluidly.
2) Second, once you have several sentences, pick out the character traits required to fulfill this eulogy.
3) Third, begin your journey into scripture, prayer, and reading for each character trait.
WHAT I WANT SAID ABOUT ME
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CHARACTER TRAITS REQUIRED
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This form is suggested by Scott Couchenour, Certified life Coach, with Serving Strong – a resourcing and coaching service to people who serve in ministry leadership.
Visit the website: http://www.servingstrong.com
Visit the blog: http://www.servingstrong.typepad.com

As you take time to do that and write what you would want to be said about you the question becomes are you living to what you want said? I believe it is important to not just want good things to be said but to live a life that is worthy of that. Much like being a disciple of Christ is more than just saying I am a disciple but also to live like one.