I have been to a lot of funeral services, and none have touched my heart any more so than the one of Jerry Kelso’s son, Brandon. I see the Dove Brothers in the studio from time to time, and many other artists. Mr. Kelso always speaks to me when he comes to the studio, and I know his heart for Christ. Anyone present that had a heart could not help but to sense, and feel the hurt in that family. I will especially think of Brandon’s younger sister. To the family of Brandon Kelso, please know that I, to a certain degree, understand your pain. I understand because I have seen this pain in my own family. My grandmother said about my youngest uncles death, that she has never felt any deeper pain than to out live one of her children here in this world. According to the testimony of Brandon’s father, and his friends, Brandon -in my book- preached his own funeral. That is how we should all strive to leave.

This past week saw a few close friends, and members of the Crossroads Family and Community go home to be with the Lord. Jerry Salley’s father went home to be with Christ, Mrs. Shelia Heil’s mother also had her homegoing this past weekend.

I had two friends go home after a struggle with cancer the week before, and with each service it just doesn’t seem to get any easier.

Mr. Kelso did something that not many people would have the strength to do, and what no one could do without the Holy One! He not only spoke about his love for his son, but also sang ”To God Be The Glory,” and played the piano from his heart ever so graceful. Quite a few souls asked for prayer and professed to wanting that personal relationship with Christ at this service. It was a blessing!

I have heard people say at many services, “That they are sorry, and know it is hard to lose a loved one.” Some people simply say, “Good-bye.” I did not witness anyone say those things at Brandon’s service, but instead the pastor told the guest that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. With that knowledge we should know that you can’t be lost at anytime when you know Christ as Lord and Savior. We know that all of these saints (Brandon, Jerry’s father, and Ms. Shelia’s mother) are happy and eternally rejoicing now.

With that I will conclude with the thought of a young man at Brandon’s service using the Hebrew term that says it best…”Lehitra’ot!” The Hebrew term for “I will see you soon.”

To each family, we love you, and pray that God comforts you, and grants you peace through a difficult time.