Today was another day filled with reflection, emotion, and personal memories of another friend and brother in Christ who has passed from this life to the next. “Cecil” Michael McCann was an old friend and married into my extended family. He married my first cousin, Melissa Willis, many many years ago. A celebration / memorial service was held for him today at his home church, New Hope Baptist Church, in Hohenwald.
He did not prefer “Cecil” although that is what we all called him in the old neighborhood. You see, he grew up two doors down from my homeplace, down on Mullins Street. Gosh, I could tell you some stories! But, I won’t… at least not here in such a public setting. Maybe, if you knew us all back then, I can share a story or two over coffee – someday. Now, Michael was a little older than I, but we were close way back in those teenage years. I was also close to his brothers, especially Randall. I was good to see him and the other family members there today… in Hohenwald, TN.
Ok, I won’t get too lengthy with this post, but allow me to make a few comments and observations. Then, I’ll post a few pictures from the day… just a few. God bless you and thank you in advance for praying for all of the McCann family as they grieve the loss of Michael.
First, as I said, I had two connections to Michael. He was a childhood friend and neighbor -and- he married into my extended family. I was not as close to him after he moved to Hohenwald, but today brought back so many memories and another reminder of my own mortality and the brevity of life.
Next, it was a blessing to be able to ride to the funeral with a group of my cousins. We do not have a lot of opportunities to visit anymore, but even for such a reason as this, it was lovely to be with them. Truman, Brenda, Bevie, and Charlie, thank you for the ride and good company.
Another thing I’d like to point out was the blessing to see Melissa’s faith in action. In my life, I have traveled the world and witnessed grief in lots of different settings. However, the strong faith of a fellow believer is powerful and a tremendous witness to all those around. No doubt, Melissa has been struggling with this great loss and wil be for a time to come. However, when you witness Christians stand firm on the things they believe, well, it brings hope to the hopeless. If you are reading this right now and have never made a commitment to Jesus Christ, asking him to forgive you and come into your life… well… consider doing that, even now. Then, you too can have this powerful, unexplainable assurance that only comes from above. Amen. Melissa, I love you cuz.
Let me finish up by saying to Melissa, David, and Rachel… and to Randall and Marty. You are and will be in my prayers. May the Heavenly Father give you supernatural peace today and in the weeks to come. Amen.
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