NEWS PROVIDED BY: Lankford Funeral Home, February 1st, 2022
Greetings Family and Friends,
In a nation that seems divided and under pressure, I still believe in the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and recognize we are one race - humans.
We have the ability to show love and kindness, but as human beings also we were born and uniquely designed to love, to show compassion, and be kind - yes, they are all in our DNA. But at times our ability to love is overshadowed by fear. Fear of differences and rejection. At times, we learn this life lesson too late.
During a funeral service have you ever learned something new about the person who has passed? Had regrets for not connecting with a loved one? Saddened that you never said, "I love you" or "I'm sorry"?
I see this often, family members gather for a funeral, who haven't seen each other in years, and have forgotten what honoring a life really means. What love itself is all about. Somewhere along the way, we can lose heart and the ability to connect, love, and show kindness - even with the people we "say" we love.
This month allows us to share with family, friends and those in our community just how far we have come, and to remind us of all that we are not alone in the fight for human equality and the need for love in our lives.
It is not enough to have tolerance; it is important to understand and embrace the diversity of humanity.
Martin Luther King Junior once said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
From February 1st to March 1st, we celebrate Black History Month. This annual celebration started in the United States in 1926. It was conceived by historian Carter G Woodson who proposed marking a time to honor African Americans and raise awareness of Black history.
The road to healing is long. Whether it is through history or the loss of a loved one, healing is possible. And the greatest of all healers is love.
The art of love is further emboldened today. Here at Lankford Funeral Home, we celebrate the essence of Valentine's Day through honoring, respecting, and showing love towards each family we care for.
So today, we want to remind you about that deep feeling that exists in all of us and our human ability to share what love is with all.
Today, remind someone you love them.
If a loved one has passed, consider creating a seat at the table for them tonight.
Remember family and friends of what love truly means.
Share your thoughts and feelings on how it affects your home and those around you.
And most of all, love yourself. Without self-love, it is different to love others.
I leave you with this quote.
"What is love? Love is the absence of judgment"
Dalai Lama
May we stop judging others, circumstance, and the past, and join us by taking a seat at the table of love.
With love and our human ability to share it - we will not only gain peace, but it may also just save someone's life.
Cheryl Lankford
Funeral Director
Lankford Funeral Home
.jpg)