Many people crowded into the funeral home chapel services for Michael Wade “Mike” Flowers. The service was conducted by Danny Miller, the minister at the Church of Christ Bosque Farms, the church Mike’s mother attends. He sought to bring comfort to a family mourning the loss of a son, father, brother, and friend at the age of 40.
He thanked everyone for supporting the family with their presence and opened with the words of John 14:
Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And whither I go you know, and the way you know. Thomas said to him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Romans 12:15 – Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
And passages from Isaiah 40 –
Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers.
He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in…. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
After reading the obituary, the minister shared some thoughts about Mike from the family. They said he was intelligent, charming and talented. He made friends easily and had a wonderful sense of humor. He won many blue ribbons riding Arabian horses and was a member of the Arabian Horse Association of New Mexico. He was a diligent worker well-liked by his boss and co-workers. His kids were his whole world and he tried to be the best Dad he could for them.
Minister Miller provided a homily based on John Chapter 11, the story of the death and resurrection of Lazarus, and the impact on Lazarus’ sisters, Martha and Mary. “Mike died and the family is grieving,” said Miller. “But we can believe Jesus’ promise, whoever lives by believing in me will never die. The Bible is full of encouragement.”
He cited additional passages from Psalm 120, Hebrews 13:4, Philippians, and 1 Corinthians 15:55 – O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?
He prayed, “The assembled are hurting. You are the God of comfort. Give them the strength and courage the family needs. We are grateful for Jesus Christ who overcame death and intercedes for us.”
Mike’s son young Steven got up to speak, saying clearly and quietly, “I know that Dad isn’t here today. I love him so much and will miss him. I want to do everything my Dad did with us over again so I have those memories. I hope he has a lot of fun up in heaven with his dad and God and Jesus.”
He showed a cross that he made for his father. On it he had written “I love you Dad.” At the end of the service, the cross was placed in the casket as the assembled offered condolences to the family and paid their last respects to Mike. A photo-montage of images from Mike’s life played to George Strait’s song, “You’re Something Special to Me.”
Mike’s body was buried after the service. A visitation had been held the afternoon before. A fleet of motorcycles surrounded the hearse on the way to the cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Albuquerque Christian Children’s Home, 5700 Winter Haven Drive NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120-2643.
May Mike Flowers rest in peaceful eternal fields.