The Burial of Carolyn Flamm

Carolyn Flamm, 6/3/25
Isaiah 25:6-9
Revelation 21:2-7
John 14:1-6

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Amen.

There’s a thing you’ve read—or will read—in Carolyn’s obituary, “Any time with family was a good time.”  Any time with family was a good time.  This is far more profound than it first appears.  Because it sounds like an exaggeration at first glance.  Any time with family was a good time?  Even when we’re mad at each other?  Even when people aren’t getting along with each other?  Even funerals?  Are those times with family still good times?

I think if we view life as Carolyn did, the answer is yes.  Because a good time doesn’t necessarily mean a happy time.  Hours spent with those we love are important hours, in and of themselves.  A happy time and a good time are not necessarily the same thing.  And we can look at today to see how that is true.  We have gathered together to say farewell to our beloved Carolyn.  It is not a happy time.  But it is a good time.  Because we are honoring her and mourning her death together.  Any time with family is a good time.  Even when there are tears and we are grieving.  Being together in hard times is a good thing.

The first two lessons we heard this morning—from Isaiah and Revelation—both contain promises about tears being wiped away from our eyes.  There is no promise that we will not go through pain, and sorrow, and mourning, but there's a promise that God will comfort us.  God will swallow up death forever.  The home of God is among mortals, we are told.  God is with us.  Always.  Though we lose sight of the ones we love, God is with us in our pain.  And God will wipe away our tears. 

And this morning, we have gathered together to say goodbye to our beloved Carolyn.  To entrust her to God’s care.  To remind one another that she is safely in the arms of Jesus.  And that means we are gathered together as family.  Even if we are not related to one another, we are family, and we are here together.  And any time with family is a good time.  A sacred time.  A holy time.  God is among us as we gather, and God will wipe away every tear.  Because in Jesus, God has swallowed up death forever.

God bless Carolyn, and God bless you.

Amen.