A former coworker lost her mother recently and several of us attended the funeral. I have attended numerous funerals in my “short” lifetime, but this was the first time I’ve attended one where the coffin was placed at the back of the church throughout the service The minister’s explanation gave symbolic meaning to the belief that the spirit of my friend’s mother was in heaven, and that she’d never sat at the front in church during her lifetime, so why place her there now that she’s deceased. Okay. I can agree with that.
However, the most striking part of this for me was the courage to end a funeral tradition that’s been a part the black community as long as I can remember. In most religions it’s customary to display the beautiful casket that holds the embalmed body of our family, friends, and loved ones at front center where the bereaved family can stare at it throughout the service. I admit it was little odd, yet somewhat of a relief. Actually, this could be the start a new thing. As a matter of fact, I’m considering adding it to my list of pre-needs plans in addition to my “no two-minute expressions allowed.”
I walked away with my own symbolic perception. By placing my coffin in back of the church it would communicate that my earthly life is behind; I’d lived it out front for all to see, and those attending my funeral should look forward to their future hope by living a committed and purposeful life of faith in Jesus Christ as I did. This is the ultimate legacy I want to leave.
