"Coko", an Untimely Death, a Purpose in Living and Dying

Today, Jerry, (my husband/regional president of UC Beckley and Martinsburg) two of our University of Charleston staff members, Lisa, Mary and I headed to the Bluefield /Princeton, WV area for the funeral of one of our students, Sheila “Coko” Hopkins. It is difficult for me to put into words the experience that I/we had today. My husband was one of a half a dozen speakers and repeatedly those that spoke about and described “CoKo”, used similar adjectives, some of the same ones that I too had used. The untimely death of “Coko” brought forth the opportunity to minister and witness to a very large crowd of people and many of those were young people. It became evident to me and many others that an unveiling was about to occur and we were about to experience a funeral service, the likes of which Jerry and I had never experienced nor had many of the others in attendance either. The church was packed and sounds of sadness and an occasional whimpers began to trickle into the church. Then emotions rang out like thunder with cries, moaning and wails of grief and saddness that could be heard before the very large family entered the church. I turned to Jerry, (eyes wide open) we both looked a bit mystified into one another’s eyes, the depth of pain we can only imagine. I softly uttered, “I believe that we are getting ready to experience a funeral like we have never experienced before” and that we did! It was evident to me that we were in the midst of the very regionally and culturally different experience as well as, a much stressed family dynamic paired with one of the most difficult events that anyone can endure, the death of a child. For me and my short relationship in knowing “Coko” it was about what “Coko” did not say. It was the look in her eyes when spoken to. And the enduring smile that exposed those beautiful white teeth and it pierced your very soul. One description after another, individuals spoke of her very distinct character trait and most memorable reaction, her smile. It was a slight tilt of her head, sometimes a removal of her hoodie (a type of garment that she always seemed to be wearing) a twinkle in her eyes and the sweetest smile that one could deliver. Pictures at that alter where her body lay in rest were collaged, evidence of years filled with that sweet smile. And the assemblage of those in attendance form a sort of collage for me and what “Coko’s” life and purpose was all about. For in that short time I wondered over the last few days, why? What did taking her now and so young fulfill? She will always be remembered and her stamp will be on many of us. But it became clear to me and the answer to my question came today. Her life was a living and dying testimony. She like all of us had struggles and had trials in this life. Her mother raised her without her father’s presence. But her mother made sure that her daughter knew her father, both her paternal father and her heavenly father. “Coko” was about one when her father was found guilty of a crime that landed him in prison until resent times. I do not know the full details of the situation but I can tell you that “Coko” was loved dearly by her mother and that was expressed by her father too. “Coko” loved both of her parents very much and longed to have a relationship with her father, one that she missed growing up. What time she had experience with her father was the many visits to the prison that her momma made sure to make happen. The pain that we experienced today had to be filled with guilt and past mistakes that one makes. One has many questions and very few answers…”Oh God”, he groaned and shouted loudly many, many times, his body becoming limp and in need of assistance to be carried. It is not our place to judge and I am surly not worthy of that either, no one but God has that right. Today was about mending relationships and a church filled with love and forgiveness. And after all the sharing and messages the final words came and the pastor, one of “Coko’s” uncles, felt moved and lead to do an altar call at the end of the service. Those of you that have experienced one of these evangelical events know what I am talking about. And this was one like I have never experience, though I am from an originally evangelical background of Southern Baptist. I married a Catholic and we became Presbyterian. And I am comfortable with an alter call and have often been concerned that we do not often invite others to know Christ in a more direct way even in our church environment. And many churches across the United States are struggling with low attendances. Many people do not go to church so our opportunities to witness have to come with experiences and relationships in our daily lives. I hope that my life is a testimony to others and that others can see Christ working through me. The burden falls on us who are Christians, to help introduce those that we meet that do not know Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior. So, my answer about why was “Coko” taken so young and for what purpose did her life serve both in living and in death was answered, she brought many to know Christ. On this day an alter call was given at “Coko’s” funeral, a veil was lifted while the funeral was widely attended by many people and many of those were young. It might have been the only opportunity or the right time for many of those to hear the message of God’s gift of grace and eternal life through Jesus Christ. I do not know the exact number but one came down. then another, then a steady flow of people, the alter was full maybe sixty or more. And if even one attains eternal life through the decision they made today at “Coko’s” funeral, then “Coko’s” purpose was more important than she or anyone but God could have imagined. For selfish reasons I wish that she was still with us but I know that I will see her again. John 3:16-17 English Standard Version (ESV) For God So Loved the World 16 “For God so loved the world,[a] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. I’ve always said that the risk it too great not to believe. What can you lose by accepting the most important gift and reason for living, eternal life through God’s grace. He sent is son Jesus, He paid the ultimate price for each of us, no questions asked, all we need to do is accept that we are sinners and believe that Jesus is our Lord and savior. Jesus wiped the slate clean for each of us if we believe in him. He is the bridge between us and God. And if I have it all wrong and I do not believe that I do. Then what did I lose? Nothing! But I will have the opportunity to gain everything! And I have no fear in dying, for in death there is life everlasting.