I opened the papers and got a shock to read about Liza’s passing. I got to know her two years ago when both of us attended the Life in the Spirit Seminar. It was just a short time but I learnt a few things from her like patience and tolerance.
She is Indian and married into a Chinese home whom do not accept her well. She told me of the things she went through and how the Lord has watched over her well. She is very faithful and often, I can see her in deep prayers before masses.
Given to me, I think I will be very bitter with life and wouldn’t have that kind of patience to tolerate the stuffs she encountered. Long before I embrace Christ, I normally thought of walking out when the in-laws get too stuffy. But after knowing Him, I realised that even in the most pressing situations, some unseen force will somewhat lift off those angers and pressure in me.
When Liza is in praise and worship, you can feel the joy she had. Her happiness is infectious. But at other times, she has a very serious facade. She used to be the communion minister. If I had not known her during the LSS, I will probably take her for someone very stern and fierce.
But through Liza, I learnt that sometimes, faith cannot be forced on another one. I can see that she had brought up all her children to be God loving inspite of the circumstances. She told me about being patience and leave it to God to mould the heart of the others. Prayers help. Never mind that one is married into a superstitious family (like me). Just endure because Christ is with us.
Well, tomorrow is her funeral and mass is at 2 pm. I am going to try to be there. This will be the very first funeral I am going to attend in a church. I cannot believe this. The only other time I was in church for a funeral was during Auntie Aurea’s funeral. But I was there because I was expected to sing in the choir.
I pray that I have the courage to face funerals. It has always been very hard for me. And it is even more moving when it is in church. And most probably I am alone because people do not really know me. But Liza knows my name. She remembered and that’s why I am going to see her one last time.
Rest in peace, Aunt Liza.
August 6th, 2007 at 3:10 am
Hi, i’m from church n i knew Aunty Liza too. She is a very dear woman. Did u go to the funeral? It was beautiful as if was a celebration of her life instead of morning of her death. I think funerals shouldn’t be all sad but a sign of hope to everyone.