What My Mother’s Death, Funeral, and Burial Taught Me

Brethren, as you know, life often teaches us profound lessons in the most unexpected moments.

For me, one such moment came with the passing of my beloved mama, Remedios Infantado.

She took her final breath on a warm afternoon, November 15, 2024, and we laid her to rest ten days later, on the morning of November 25.

The days between her departure and her burial were not just a blur of grief; they became a sacred classroom where God revealed lessons I never anticipated.

I had no idea how much I would grow, reflect, and realize in such a short yet emotionally charged span of time.

In this blog, I want to open my heart to you and share some of those lessons.

They were born in the crucible of loss, but I believe they carry truths that can nourish and strengthen us all spiritually.

So, let’s journey together through these reflections, and may they point us all closer to the Lord.

1. Death Comes to All

Did you know that every second, two people somewhere on this earth take their final breath?

That means, by the end of an hour, over 7,100 souls will have departed.

By the end of today, 170,790 lives will have passed into eternity.

Every year, around 62 million people bid this world goodbye.

It’s a sobering reality, isn’t it?

The Bible reminds us that death is universal. It is not a respecter of persons.

Hebrews 9:27 states it plainly:

“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”

Death is the great equalizer.

It comes for the wealthy and the poor, the young and the old, the righteous and the wicked.

It’s an unavoidable part of the human condition, reminding us that our lives here on earth are fleeting.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 puts it poetically:

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die.”

Life, in many ways, is like a book.

The day we are born is page one; the day we die is the final chapter.

And yet, it’s easy to forget that we don’t own this book—we don’t own our lives.

Everything we are, everything we have, belongs to God.

Acts 17:25 affirms this truth:

“Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things.”

Psalm 24:1 adds:

“The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.”

One day, we will return the breath of life that God has so graciously given us.

Our bodies will return to the dust from which we came.

It’s a humbling thought, isn’t it?

Let’s be honest—death isn’t something we like to think about.

The idea of our own mortality can be unsettling, even frightening.

Who among us looks forward to dying?

Most of us don’t.

We want to live.

We want to experience life’s joys and blessings for as long as possible.

But while death is inevitable, it shouldn’t paralyze us with fear.

Instead, it should awaken us to life’s brevity and compel us to make every moment count.

Psalm 90:10 reminds us of this sobering truth:

“The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.”

Our bodies are not designed to last forever.

They age, weaken, and eventually give out.

Wrinkles replace youthful skin, energy diminishes, and our once-vigorous health fades.

Illness, accidents, or unforeseen circumstances can take us unexpectedly.

1 Peter 1:24-25 paints this vivid picture:

“All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the LORD endures forever.”

Our lives are like the grass—here today, gone tomorrow.

And the glory we achieve—success, wealth, beauty, recognition—is as fleeting as a flower that blooms for a season and then fades.

Think about it: Can you recall the last ten Miss Universe winners?

The top ten wealthiest people in 2010?

The last ten Nobel Prize laureates?

Probably not.

In the same way, 50 or 100 years after we’re gone, no one will remember us either.

That’s the sobering reality of life.

So, what should we do with the time we’ve been given?

If life is unpredictable and temporary, what should our priorities be?

Matthew 6:33 offers clear guidance:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Don’t wait until you’re on your deathbed to start prioritizing what truly matters.

Life is too short to waste on pursuits that don’t align with God’s will.

If there’s anything in your life that doesn’t glorify Him, now is the time to let it go.

Let death not be a source of fear, but a wake-up call—a reminder to live intentionally, seek God wholeheartedly, and align our lives with His purpose.

Time is precious.

Let’s use it wisely.

2. Keep Your Body Healthy

Taking care of your body isn’t just a health decision—it’s a spiritual responsibility.

One lesson that profoundly shaped my perspective came from witnessing the decline of my mother’s health.

Like many of us, she was busy with life, work, and family, often neglecting her physical well-being.

She passed away from liver cirrhosis, leaving behind a stark reminder: we cannot afford to neglect the body God entrusted to us.

The best time to take charge of your health is now, not when sickness has already taken hold.

Let’s explore four key ways to honor God by taking care of our bodies:

2.1. Treat Your Body as God’s Temple

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20:

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

When you view your body as God’s temple, it changes everything.

It’s no longer just about staying fit or looking good—it’s about glorifying God.

We are stewards of this temporary vessel, and taking care of it is an act of worship.

Imagine borrowing a luxury car.

Would you fill it with cheap fuel or drive it recklessly?

Of course not!

You’d treat it with the utmost care.

In the same way, your body is a gift from God, not to be abused but treasured and maintained.

Neglecting your health—whether through poor eating, lack of sleep, or harmful habits—dishonors the Creator who lovingly designed you.

2.2. Develop a Godly Diet

What we eat and drink matters to God. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:31:

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

When you think about your meals, ask yourself: “Does this glorify God?” 

Sure, we avoid unclean foods as outlined in Scripture, but even clean foods can harm us when consumed unwisely.

Sugary drinks, processed snacks, and fried foods may be convenient, but they harm the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Instead, embrace God-given foods:

• Fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients.
• Whole grains offer lasting energy.
• Lean proteins help repair and build the body.
• Healthy fats like nuts and olive oil support brain and heart health.
• Water hydrates and purifies.

Eating well doesn’t just make you feel better; it equips you to serve God and others more effectively.

Remember, your food should strengthen you, not weaken you.

2.3. Engage in Physical Activity

Physical exercise is often overlooked, but even Paul acknowledged its value:

“For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things…” (1 Timothy 4:8).

While spiritual health is paramount, caring for your physical health ensures you have the energy and vitality to fulfill your purpose.

A brisk walk, gardening, or a gym workout can improve not only your body but also your mind.

It’s not about becoming a world-class athlete—it’s about being able to serve God and His people with strength and endurance.

2.4. Rest and Refresh Your Body

Rest isn’t optional—it’s God’s command. As Exodus 20:9-10 says:

“Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God.”

God designed our bodies to need rest. Sleep restores us physically, and the Sabbath restores us spiritually and emotionally. Overworking without rest doesn’t honor God; it only burns out the body He gave you. Prioritize sleep and observe times of stillness to recharge your body, mind, and soul.

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When you treat your body as a temple, eat with intention, stay active, and rest, you’re not just investing in your health—you’re glorifying God. Don’t wait for a health crisis to wake you up. Start today. Choose to honor God in your body and inspire others to do the same.

3. Superstitions Are Destructive

Experiencing my mother’s death opened my eyes to how deeply superstitions can take root in people’s lives.

I never realized how pervasive these beliefs were until her funeral.

From the wake to the burial, I saw countless rituals rooted in superstition, practices that shaped decisions and relationships in troubling ways.

Examples of Superstitions

Here are some of the practices I encountered during that time:

• Don’t sweep the floor during the wake.
• Avoid haircuts while mourning.
• Don’t eat chicken or vegetables that crawl.
• Don’t attend another funeral during the same period.
• Break a glass to ward off bad spirits.
• Light a candle and ensure it doesn’t go out.
• Avoid measuring the casket twice.
• Immediate family members must not help lift the casket.
• The deceased must not pass through the same door twice.

You might read these and think, “That’s absurd!” And to be honest, I felt the same way at first.

But my relatives took these practices seriously—seriously enough to scold, strain relationships, and even break a window to follow through.

The Dangers of Superstition

In Colossians 2:8, Paul warns:

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”

Superstitions fall into this category of deceit. They are philosophies based on fear, tradition, and worldly principles rather than the truth of Christ. But why are they so destructive?

1. They Strain Relationships.
   Superstitions can cause unnecessary conflict. One instance from my mother’s funeral comes to mind: someone brought chicken to the wake, which was considered taboo. The uproar that followed led to public humiliation, hurt feelings, and strained family ties. All over an irrational fear.
2. They Perpetuate Poverty.
   In the village where my mother’s family lived, superstitions often hold people back. Instead of trusting God, they rely on rituals to bring prosperity or protect against misfortune. This misplaced dependence stifles progress and keeps entire communities trapped in cycles of fear and lack.
3. They Distract from God’s Word.
   The saddest part is that many who claim to follow Christ prioritize these superstitions over Scripture. They profess faith in God but cling to practices rooted in pagan traditions. In one heartbreaking conversation, my aunt admitted: “We are Christians, but we are not immune to superstitions.” This reveals a deeper truth: such beliefs undermine true faith. How can we claim to trust God while putting more stock in traditions that contradict His Word?

Examining Our Beliefs

While you might not follow these exact superstitions, it’s worth asking: Do I hold onto beliefs that contradict the Bible? Maybe they’re not traditional superstitions, but modern lies disguised as “truth.”

• Lies about your worth or identity.
• Misguided teachings about success, happiness, or love.
• False doctrines from those who twist God’s Word.

It’s easy to dismiss these things as harmless, but they can subtly shape your decisions and faith in dangerous ways.

A Call to Action

Psalm 119:105 reminds us:

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Let God’s Word be the ultimate guide in your life.

Take time to examine your beliefs and practices in its light.

Anything that doesn’t align with Scripture should be discarded, no matter how ingrained it may be.

Finally, let’s show grace to those still trapped in superstition.

We can’t force them to change, but we can live as examples, letting our faith and freedom in Christ shine.

Trust God to do what we cannot—open hearts and transform lives.

Superstitions bind people in fear, but the truth of God sets us free.

Let’s walk in that freedom and encourage others to do the same.

4. Be Grateful for Your Life

It’s easy to overlook the most fundamental blessing we have: the gift of life.

Too often, we take our existence for granted, assuming it’s automatic or something we’re entitled to.

But life is fragile, and not everyone is given the privilege of growing old or experiencing its fullness.

A Personal Reflection

My mother passed away at just 56 years old. I know she would have loved to live longer, to spend more time with her loved ones, and to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. But her illness prevented her from doing so. Watching her life cut short reminded me of how much I’ve taken my own for granted.

Each day we wake up is a gift. The ability to open our eyes, hear the birds sing, smell the morning air, and feel the warmth or chill around us is nothing short of a blessing. These simple experiences are treasures we often overlook.

The Biblical Call to Gratitude

The Apostle Paul gives us clear instructions in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Notice the words: in everything. That includes the good and the bad, the triumphs and the trials. Why? Because even in difficulty, God is shaping us, strengthening us, and preparing us for greater things.

Gratitude for Imperfections

Sometimes, we despise our imperfections, comparing ourselves to others or lamenting what we lack. But gratitude changes our perspective.

• You may not have a perfectly shaped nose, but thank God you can breathe.
• Your eyesight may not be perfect, but be grateful you can still see.
• You may not have expensive shoes, but thank God you have feet to walk.

I remember my mother in her last days—bedridden and unable to walk. It reminded me how much I take for granted. What she wouldn’t have given to take just one more step!

Gratitude for Growing Older

As I approach 36 years old, I catch myself grumbling about getting older.

Thoughts like, “Oh no, I’m aging!” creep in.

But my wife often reminds me, “Be thankful you’ve reached 36. Many haven’t.”

We sometimes fear aging because it brings physical limitations and reminds us of our mortality.

But if we only view life through the lens of this temporary existence, we miss the bigger picture.

Living with Purpose

Paul’s words in Philippians 1:19-21 offer a profound perspective:

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Life isn’t just about existing, eating, and dying.

When we live for Christ, every day becomes an opportunity to fulfill God’s purpose.

And when we die, it’s not the end—it’s a gain. This eternal mindset changes everything.

Gratitude in Death

Yes, death is painful for those left behind.

I grieve my mother’s absence, but I’m thankful her suffering is over.

She’s been spared from the chaos of this world and rests in God’s mercy. As Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7-8:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

My mother finished her race, and now awaits the crown of righteousness promised to all who love God.

A Perspective Shift

For those of us still living, gratitude transforms how we see our lives.

Instead of lamenting what we lack, we can celebrate the purpose, hope, and love we have in Christ.

Even death loses its sting when we walk with God. As David proclaimed in Psalm 23:

“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me.”

Life is a gift.

Aging is a privilege.

Death is not the end but a transition into eternal life with God.

Each day offers opportunities to serve Him, love others, and enjoy His blessings.

Let’s cultivate gratitude—not just on special occasions like Thanksgiving, but every day.

Rejoice in the small joys, find purpose in the challenges, and thank God for the hope of eternal life.

Every breath, every moment, every heartbeat is a reason to give thanks.

Death Teaches How to Live

Brethren, my prayer is that each of us will have the confidence to echo the words of the Apostle Paul when our time comes: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 

Death, while often unpleasant, is a profound teacher.

It forces us to confront the brevity of life and the eternal significance of how we choose to live.

Life is unpredictable.

We often deceive ourselves into thinking we have plenty of time to set things right, to fulfill our purpose, or to prepare for eternity.

But the reality is, tomorrow is never guaranteed.

That’s why each day matters.

Every moment is an opportunity to align our lives with God’s will, to live faithfully, and to prepare for the day when we stand before Yahweh.

Let the lessons we’ve explored today not just linger in your minds but settle deeply into your hearts.

Allow them to transform your actions, your priorities, and your perspective.

We are called to live with eternity in view, to focus not on temporary pursuits but on the eternal promise of God’s Kingdom.

Let us cling to the hope expressed in Revelation 21:4:

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

What a glorious future awaits us! No more pain, no more sorrow, no more death—only the joy of being in the presence of our Creator.

May God speed that day! And may we live each day fully, faithfully, and fervently, knowing that our ultimate goal is to be with Him for all eternity. Let’s make every moment count.

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