A Sparrow Comforts Those Who Mourne

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12: 6-7

The Theology of what I am about to write is weak admittedly, and so with that disclaimer being made plane, and proceeding with caution, I add this statement. Theology is man’s attempt to understand God. It is therefore limited despite its necessity. Through its study we can know those things that are most important and most true. However, it does not encompass all that is true or all that can be known. What is also true is that all things are not known.

I am posting this blog through bivocationalpastoradventures.blogspot.com and not my usual gatesofpraiseministries.blogpot.com post because the experiences that I am about to convey reflect the intersection of my work as a social worker and pastor.

I Saturday, July 30th, 2012 I helped facilitate the memorial service of Jeffery Lamb, who died a tragic death, at his own hand, and as a direct consequence of the schizophrenia he suffered throughout his adult life. I knew Jeff (Jazzy) because I was the Program Coordinator of the Mckinney Shelter. He stayed at the shelter and some of the transitional programs in the building during the years I worked there and we developed a good relationship. After I left the job I would see him here and there and we would talk briefly. Then I met him more recently at his Mom’s house, Anne Searson, who is and elder in our church. I had not made the connection prior to that. The last time I saw him we spoke for about and hour in downtown Newport two weeks prior to his death. I learned of his death through a congregation member who called me.

I had very mixed feelings about doing the funeral for a number of reasons. The circumstances of his death and my theological bias against cremation were a part of my struggle. However the real reason was that I did not think I could effectively bring comfort to this wonderful Christian family. God knew that and he helped

During that service a sparrow showed up on the beach where we were conducting the service. The nearest tree was about 100 yards away, and the friendliness of this sparrow was unusual and observed by all. I came so close to it that I bent down and called to it, as you would to a dog that was bashful to be petted. The bird’s response was to sit on George Triplette’s lap. Leann Searson, Jeff’s sister spoke with the bird, Jeff’s brother smiled at it as it sat in front of him during his portion of the service.

For me it was a sign and a wonder to bring comfort to a family that no human being could manage. It is not the first sign and wonder I have experienced at a funeral and it is not the first I have experienced while conducting services outdoors. We have a God who is able to comfort his people, even if it falls outside out theological understanding and for that I am very thankful.