Attendance at our own funeral

[Dusty52]

I have always wondered whether the Lord allows us to attend our own funeral?
I would like to see who shows up?

[The Airbender]

I hadn't ever thought about it but it seems like something we would be allowed to go to, right?

I do believe that before we are judged we will be required to face everyone we ever harmed and ask forgiveness, as well as face everyone who ever harmed us and offer forgiveness.

[Dusty52]

I hadn't ever thought about it but it seems like something we would be allowed to go to, right?

I do believe that before we are judged we will be required to face everyone we ever harmed and ask forgiveness, as well as face everyone who ever harmed us and offer forgiveness.

I like your thinking
It makes sense to me

[EmmaLee]

I think we are allowed to attend our own funerals, as it's a time for healing ("making whole") and reconciliation and remembrance, love, etc. My parents were definitely at both of their funerals, and most funerals I've been to, I sensed the deceased person's spirit was there. I think it's a great comfort to the mourning loved ones. The command to "mourn with those who mourn", I believe, applies just as much on the other side of the veil, as on this side - but maybe the word, for the deceased, could be changed to "comfort those who mourn", and who better to give comfort at a funeral, than the person the funeral is for? Just my thoughts.

[Dusty52]

I think we are allowed to attend our own funerals, as it's a time for healing ("making whole") and reconciliation and remembrance, love, etc. My parents were definitely at both of their funerals, and most funerals I've been to, I sensed the deceased person's spirit was there. I think it's a great comfort to the mourning loved ones. The command to "mourn with those who mourn", I believe, applies just as much on the other side of the veil, as on this side - but maybe the word, for the deceased, could be changed to "comfort those who mourn", and who better to give comfort at a funeral, than the person the funeral is for? Just my thoughts.

What a great post
Very insightful

[Robin Hood]

I definitely plan on attending mine.
I have it all planned out. It's going to be the best funeral ever.

[brianj]

I doubt there would be a funeral for me.

[diligently seeking]

I left the mtc to attend my mothers funeral. I was youngest of 9. My parents divorced when I was very young. I had some veiled insecurities as a result. I acted confident and sure-- but inwardly was terribly dependant on my mothers existence to make me feel that moving forward in the world could be manageble. When she passed my facade a strength crumbled. As i walked past her casket and saw her lifeless body there-- I, in uncontrolled emotion fell to the ground and wept with fear and heart broken agony. I sat on the stand at her funeral in a very lost and sad head -down- condition. Not to far into her funeral darkness was chased away and light and hope and a feeling of growing joy filled my soul. You see, I heard my mother with a beautiful joyful encouraging voice tell me "every thing is ok and will be ok and to move forward. it was a clear voice which brought heavens blessing for me.

Dusty52, I've worn out my conversion story / alma chp 5 type stuff) a ton on this forum. I dont think you have been exsposed to it. You might benefit. Here it is:




My parents divorced when I was 10-- resulting with my Father choosing to be absent from our lives. Regrettably, I chose to use my agency poorly in my teen years. Tragically, mom was diagnosed with a terminal cancer when I was 14. She was told that with chemotherapy and radiation she could possibly live 8 months. She explained to the doctor that she had faith she would live long enough to see her last children off. Very shortly after this, she was given a priesthood blessing that told her as much. Miraculously, her bone cancer multiple myeloma, went into remission. My sweet angel mother was about as perfect as mom (Child of God) could be. She was a fervent/faithfull follower of Jesus in word and deed. There was no duplicity in her; truly, this elect woman was without guile and was wonderfully filled with and emanated the pure love of Christ. Miracles too, were ubiquitous for this saintly woman.

So many over cast times in my life I would be healed mentally, emotionally, and lifted spiritually just being in her righteous presence. I will never forget a time in my life when I was 16 watching "Geraldo" (a tv talk show) downstairs in my room. The theme of the show that day was: people who were abducted by aliens and returned. Sounds so comical now, but, at that time of my life-- it created a faith crisis. Geraldo's guests were most convincing. As the show progressed, I became increasingly convinced these folks --had-- been abducted. Panic filled my heart. The thoughts that raced through my mind were "how could the church be true-- why would God allow these things to take place--Alien abductions were not supposed to be apart of the Plan of Salvation"!?

I knew I had to speak to the resident- spiritual authority in my home. Hollering to see if my mom was upstairs-- She replied that she was. I wanted at some point in my life to embrace the faith that my mother so beautifully reflected. I knew that my lifestyle was practically void of the happiness and serenity she had in abundance. I was feeling very forlorn as I walked up those stairs. I most assuredly hoped, but was not so convinced, that she could pour healing oil on my troubled waters. When she saw me, she asked sweetly what she could do for me. I observed that she was sitting in her favorite dimpled leather chair reading her oh-so-loved-scriptures. Upon being in my mother's presence I was immediately filled with incredible peace and joy. All feelings of emotional pain, anxiety, and confusion were completely taken from me. So thorough was this cleansing-- that I didn't even ask my mother a single question. Astonished by this beautiful and immediate result-- I simply told her "oh nothing" turned around and went back downstairs.

Though I had this profound experience, numbskull me, Still chose to live a life That was unbecoming of a Latter day Saint. The 19th year in my life was approaching fast. I was settling in on the idea that a mission was going to be a part of my future. This was a strong wish and desire of my mothers. My mission call came. The day came for me to leave to the MTC. My angel mother passed that morning. My twin sister had already left the home. Departing to the MTC that morning, I was the last of her 9 children to leave. The power of this righteous woman's faith, and the power / efficacy of the priesthood blessing she received-- resulted in her righteous desire and wish being fulfilled --to the day--

At first, the Lord's mission I was called to serve to was a difficult struggle. President Ezra T Benson talked about having a vision seeing an army of missionaries that could "match the message," this--I was not. Growing spiritually during my formative years, by my choice, was largely wasted. The lead surgeon in the county that we labored in -- my first area-- Invited us over to teach a friend. Introducing my companion and I-- he explained in glowing details what a great missionary my trainer was. He explained with an unenthused tone that "Elder Beesley meant well as a missionary but was not quite up to speed."

I was devastated. No doubt he was right. As we entered our apartment that night, I asked to be alone in the bedroom. Pouring my heart and soul out to Father in Heaven-- I cried and cried asking forgiveness for not being prepared and pleading for help. That first area I nearly read the Book of Mormon 3 times. A miracle occurred. Nothing short of the Red Sea parting. Not only did the gospel make crystal clear sense, but my intellect (by my standards) soared! I went from an unorganized somewhat unkempt fella-- all the sudden I felt to be organized and precise in my actions. So much fog lifted-- my mind was expanded and made much more clear. My previous swollen twisted tongue shrunk to size and was "loosed" I truly was going through a glorious- spiritual rebirth. The last fast and testimony meeting before I was transferred to a new area this lead-surgeon member stood to bear his testimony. He stated that amongst other things helping him to know that the church is true-- he testified that another feather in his cap of testimony was seeing a miracle with the transformation of Elder Beesley. He rightly knew that I was a lowly way behind the curve missionary when I first entered the mission field. He also knew that nothing short Of God's tender mercy and miraculous help could have done for me what had occurred and was occurring.

I know unquestionably, nothing unlocked this door for me so profoundly as did the study of the Book of Mormon. Father in Heaven and my Savior Jesus Christ became so wonderfully real and close to me. I can honestly say that I read a total of 6 books in 19 years of living. The majority of those in the fourth grade. I gave little to no energy in my studies from junior high to high school. Suddenly, to study the Book of Mormon, a book littered with thee thou and thines etc --for it! to come alive! Wonder of wonders...

Studying the gospel, particuarly reading the Book of Mormon, I became infused with the Spirit of God. I truly became a "New Creature in Christ" (2Corinthians 5:17) born of god, having received a mighty change of heart! I do not know how many times I read The Book of Mormon on the Lord's mission. I do know that it was approaching somewhere around 15 times. I read certain books with in the Book of Mormon a hundred times and more. I love the book of Alma. Joy and anticipation came arising in the morning to read the Book of Mormon. I could not wait to come home for lunch to read the Book of Mormon. I truly hungered and thirsted for the glorious affects that came into my life reading the great "Stick of Joseph" (Ezekiel37:19)

When you are near SPIRITUALY--blind, lame, deaf, and dumb and you discover sooner than later your relationship with deity/God and Jesus becoming so real and sacred for you--and you are suddenly given beautiful gifts and your known talents heightened--beautiful spiritual vistas are opened up to you--the voice of the Lord (via the Holy Ghost that blessed "Comforter" (John 14:26,27) is heard and obeyed--when great clarity of thought and speech increase and all of this from these fruits given through sincere study and application and prayer from reading a book! Incredible! What amazing love and appreciation fills your whole being...I always knew my mother "knew it" she truly was a mother "who knew" (Alma 56:47,48) I testify that to become a person "who knows" the expedited path is the path that leads you to the unending feast, even the great spiritual banquet --which is-- the BOOK of MORMON--book of all BOOKS!


ttps://youtu.be/p8X8a7DtwUI

[Earthling]

It is rare for someone not to be in attendance at their own funeral. When I go to funerals I usually look around for the deceased person and find them. Others I know who also have the gift of seeing spirits or angels tell me the same thing. At my mother's funeral she was so delighted to be rid of her old decrepit body that it was a palpable feeling most everyone felt.

[brianj]

It is rare for someone not to be in attendance at their own funeral. When I go to funerals I usually look around for the deceased person and find them. Others I know who also have the gift of seeing spirits or angels tell me the same thing. At my mother's funeral she was so delighted to be rid of her old decrepit body that it was a palpable feeling most everyone felt.

What happens for people who don't have a funeral?

[kirtland r.m.]

Somewhere years ago, I read from an l.d.s. source that we are able to attend our own funeral and then we watch to see where our body is placed as a resting place till we are resurrected. Makes sense to me.

[Earthling]

A funeral is of course not required but I do believe we pay attention to where our body is located if possible. There are many cultures with a belief that the spirit hangs around until burial. I was just reading that the elements that make up your body are yours eternally which makes sense for your body to resurrect. It doesn't matter if you dissolved back into the earth over years or were eaten by various animals - your body elements will come together and resurrect which is of course the "good news of the gospel".

[brianj]

A funeral is of course not required but I do believe we pay attention to where our body is located if possible. There are many cultures with a belief that the spirit hangs around until burial. I was just reading that the elements that make up your body are yours eternally which makes sense for your body to resurrect. It doesn't matter if you dissolved back into the earth over years or were eaten by various animals - your body elements will come together and resurrect which is of course the "good news of the gospel".

I have known of people whose bodies were cremated then the cremains were divided and given to people to scatter literally around the world. After discussing it with a priesthood leader, I participated in doing this for someone I knew from a scuba forum. People took him to exotic places around the world as a tribute to him.
My step father was retired Navy and, as he wished, he was cremated and his remains were buried at sea. Within minutes of being immersed, the sand urn started falling apart. His cremains were probably scattered across a couple hundred vertical feet of the water column, spreading them across thousands of square miles by the time they all settled to the sea floor.

I wonder how people like thess locate their bodies.