Gloria’s Funeral Message by Rev. Randy Morrison

“YOU TAKE OVER” by Rev. Randy Morrison, my parents elder from their church, Twin Rivers Worship Center in St. Louis, MO.

2 Tim. 4:6-8 NKJV
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

In this passage, Paul realizes that his death sentence has been sealed, and only a divine intervention will change his destiny. He also refers to his death as the time of my departure. He speaks with confidence knowing that his death is sure. He had already written in Philippians 1:21: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Paul doesn’t know the day nor the hour, and neither do we. Those times are chosen by our Maker and Creator. He has all of those appointments set and the angels are standing ready and waiting to usher God’s children to their eternal rewards, at a moments notice.

Paul, with confidence, continues that he has done his best. He has been a good soldier, enduring hardships and difficult challenges. Many had given up and quit because of some of the tough times, and difficult obstacles, that have come their way, but Paul refused to surrender his efforts. Paul states that, “I have stayed on the course that you laid out for me.” I believe that Paul wanted to do more but realized that all God had planned for him had been completed.

Paul also states, “I have kept the faith.” I have not wavered in my belief, of my first calling. I still trust you, Oh God even in the hour of my death. You have always been my defender, protector, provider, supplier and lifter of my head. Even in the darkest of days, when death is pending, why would I dare doubt you now? You have always been an on time God. We detect no regrets, sorrow, or hesitation for the future that is inevitable.

Paul knows that an eternal reward awaits him, what joy that must have been, but Paul is not just thinking of himself here, he states this reward is to all who have loved His (Christ) appearing.

When I read these scriptures, the words seemed to be illuminated. I almost felt like Gloria was speaking these to me.

I know that Gloria, at a very early age gave her life to the Lord, and He was her first love. Although she would have liked to have stayed here longer, she willingly submitted to the Father’s will, just as Christ Himself did. In Matthew 26:42 Jesus said “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

As I began to prepare, I was reading this same passage in the Bible translation, The Message, and it happened again. The words seemed to be illuminated. Let me read you that same passage from the Message translation of 2 Timothy 4:6-8.

6. You take over. I’m about to die, my life is an offering on God’s altar. 7. This is the only race worth running. I’ve run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. 8. All that’s left now is the shouting – God’s applause! Depend on it, He’s an honest judge. He’ll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for His coming.

I believe that if Gloria could speak to us, and especially to her family, these are the words she would say. You take over. God’s will for my life is completed. I have fought hard; gave it all I had. I have shown you the way. I have been an example, now you carry on and finish this race with excellence. Meet me on “That Day,” when the Righteous Judge will reward all of us, who have served Him, and completed this race.

To Ed, the love of my life on this earth, You take over. It is now your sole responsibility to pray for our children and grandchildren. You are the patriarch of this family. Continue to show them the way by example. Give them the advice and subtle guidance when they need it.

To my children. You take over. You take over, Dana. You take over, Sonia. You take over, Doug. You are still young and full of life. Live for the Lord, it is worth every sacrifice. I know that there will be difficult days, your dad and I had our share of hard times, but I also know God’s grace is sufficient to sustain you. 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Carry the flame. Hold high the standards. Our legacy and rich heritage will only continue, if you take this mantle, and YOU TAKE OVER.