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Is Your Life Speaking? Recently I’ve been rereading Parker Palmer’s Let Your Life Speak: Listening to the Voice of Vocation.
Published in 2000, I’ve probably read this small, thoughtful book more than 20 times. While it has its original dust jacket, it is dog-eared, the spine it broken and it is a bit raggedy.

Many people reach adulthood before they attend a funeral. Funerals can feel intimidating even under the best of circumstances.
Here are some things to remember about a funeral, celebration of life or memorial service.

Whether you are Catholic or not, you may find yourself touched by Pope Francis’s death. The impact of his service as Pope was far reaching – touching the lives of people all over the world. Not just Catholics – but those he championed across significant social issues.

Do you remember the first funeral you ever attended? Pause for a moment and think about that experience. Take into consideration your age at the time as well as the person being remembered by this ceremony. What was memorable about it?

I have a long relationship with public speaking. I’ve spoken as a historical interpreter in a living history museum, zoo educator in two different zoos, and in all kinds of educational settings. I’ve been the primary speaker at funeral services where I’ve had the privilege of telling a life story. Most recently, I’ve spoken in churches and organizations about bereavement, grief, and loss.

I was recently praying about a difficult decision someone I love is facing. There are two obvious choices at hand. Both choices are beautiful, rich, and exciting. In this moment, even such rich choices feel difficult because they involve change, risk, something new, possible loss, and challenges. As a result, it is hard to know which direction to go. In fact, it is agonizing, uncertain, and uncomfortable being in this position.