July 25, 2026
Lucas, when we were choosing the Scripture readings, I asked you to pick one lesson from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament, and I would choose the Gospel. We were texting back and forth late into the night, and you kept insisting, “For me, Proverbs 31:25–31,” in addition to the reading from Isaiah.
I remember thinking to myself, “Did I stutter?”
But when I opened Proverbs 31 and read the passage again, I immediately understood why you insisted.
It is a mother speaking wisdom to her son, King Lemuel, whose name means “devoted to God.” It is a beautiful picture of a mother teaching her son how to live.
So I asked Lucas how he came across that passage.
He said, “I was just looking through Proverbs last night, and that part really stuck out to me. It was weird. I had never really read Proverbs before, but something just told me to, and when I found it, it represented her so well.”
Isn’t it amazing how Scripture works?
Sometimes we read right through a passage without giving it much thought. We ask questions, we move on, and the words remain on the page.
Then every once in a while, the Word of God reaches out and grabs hold of our hearts.
Today is one of those days.
I have a feeling that every time we hear Proverbs 31 from now on, many of us will think of Julie.
Not because she wrote those words, but because she lived them.
“Strength and dignity are her clothing.”
“She opens her mouth with wisdom.”
“Her children rise up and call her blessed.”
Those words already lived in Julie’s life, long before Lucas found them on the pages of Scripture. In a way, she had already written them into her son’s heart.
So today, we honor her.
We thank God for Julie, who worked tirelessly, cared for others generously, and most of all, raised her son well. The love that shaped her life continues to bear fruit in Lucas.
As we grieve her death and struggle to understand an illness that took her far too soon, we are reminded of something we often forget.
Life is precious.
None of us knows how much time we have, or when we will meet our Maker. We often live as though there will always be another day, another conversation, another opportunity to tell someone we love them.
Julie reminds us not to take today for granted.
She knew her earthly journey was drawing to a close. Yet she continued to love, to care, and to give as much of herself as she could. She fought the good fight. She kept the faith.
Now she rests in the loving embrace of God.
Whatever mysteries heaven holds, I know this: Julie already has a room in my heart. Even though I only had the privilege of knowing her for a short time, her kindness and love have left their mark on me. Looking around this room today, I know I am not the only one.
Her love is the reason we are gathered here.
She is no longer burdened by pain or illness but rests in the everlasting peace of Christ. As we proclaim in our Burial Office, life is changed, not ended. Death does not have the final word, because Christ does.
So, Lucas, you are not alone.
The love your mother planted in you continues to live and grow. It lives in you. It lives in your friends. It lives in every life she touched. Every act of kindness, every lesson she taught, every memory she leaves behind continues to bear fruit.
There will be difficult days ahead. We all know that.
But when they come, remember the passage you chose.
Remember your mother.
Remember the wisdom she gave you.
And make your momma proud, King Lemuel.
Amen.
