Black Church Goers Have Got It Right

#1
rbroyles

rbroyles

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#1
We were a sad family that attended the funeral of my son's best friend, Dietrich, or as most called him - Big D. They were friends since 1st grade, almost 25 years, and D was like a member of our household.

D was a Black man who weighed over 300 lbs in the 5th grade. Not everyone tried to be his friend, and I was always proud of my son and daughter for being his friend. We were a bit amused and surprised when he asked our daughter to be his prom date. D was a percussionist in the band and played the baritone sax, and by the time he got in high school, he was loved by all.

The AME Zion Church was filled to half again its capacity as old band kid friends came from far away to grieve together.

But when we left the service, we had lost much of our sadness. The black ministers that spoke (at least 6) had even us white folk saying our amens and clapping and laughing in the joy D had brought us all.

When the service was over, I told my old ex-minister who drove from Louisville, KY that what we did in church was inadequate. He agreed.
 
#2
#2
A very nice tribute you've just given that young man Broyles. Very nice indeed.
 
#3
#3
Any band member is a friend of mine! I have a few black friends and families i know and they are all great guys. I loved the movie Reggie's Prayer if anyone has watched it. It gives you an idea of what a black church sounds like. I wish we had half of that enthusiasm in my church! so, to your friend, RIP! :hi::cray:
 
#4
#4
A black lady I worked with told me the difference in our churches.

The difference according to Patti:

White preacher: Please turn to page 246 in your hymnal, and join the choir in singing Amazing Grace.

Black preacher: ...and now the choir is gonna sing until Jesus tells 'em to stop.

I thought she summed it up really well.
 
#6
#6
Sorry to hear the lost of your dear friend. Always hard. I agree whole heartily on how some church services are administered opposed to others. It's about connecting spiritually with people. Sometimes we are so caught up in ceremony we forget to connect as people and celebrate a person and their lives.

Again, sorry to hear about your loss.
 
#7
#7
SavageOrangeJug said:
A black lady I worked with told me the difference in our churches.

The difference according to Patti:

White preacher: Please turn to page 246 in your hymnal, and join the choir in singing Amazing Grace.

Black preacher: ...and now the choir is gonna sing until Jesus tells 'em to stop.

I thought she summed it up really well.
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#8
#8
I am very sorry about the loss of your friend, rbroyles. I do like the philosophy at a funeral of joyfully celebrating the life of the deceased.
 
#10
#10
If any of you ever get the chance, visit Main Street Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky.

Plan on staying all day and it will you will see how church should be.
 
#11
#11
hmanvolfan said:
How did Big D pass away?
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He had a heart attack at 31 years old. He was a large man with an even larger heart.

I'll never forget the time he dressed as a woman for our kid's Halloween party. I answered the door, and he had me convinced he was his mother Val. The kids were rolling on the floor with laughter, and still talk about it.

Thanks for all the kind words.
 
#12
#12
vader said:
I am very sorry about the loss of your friend, rbroyles. I do like the philosophy at a funeral of joyfully celebrating the life of the deceased.
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I want my funeral to be that way. Play "Ode To Joy" not some dirge. Play something by the Beatles or Stones, hell play Rocky Top!!
 
#15
#15
rbroyles said:
He had a heart attack at 31 years old. He was a large man with an even larger heart.

I'll never forget the time he dressed as a woman for our kid's Halloween party. I answered the door, and he had me convinced he was his mother Val. The kids were rolling on the floor with laughter, and still talk about it.

Thanks for all the kind words.
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It's great that you have all of those wonderful memories of him!
OrangeEmpire said:
I'll Fly Away with every kind of instrument available!
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YES! Love that song! When I was in the youth at our church we went to a "Youth Conference" at MTSU. The band played that song and the place starting rocking. Such an feeling!
 
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