Forty years of pastoral leadership have given me a front row seat observing the Univeral experience of death, dying and funerals. I have sought to understand why people behave the way they do when it comes to funerals. I wanted to know exactly what continues a good funeral. What can be done to allow more dignity in the process? I have found that there are several major factors required for people to walk away with the desired understanding. Yes, dignity is possible. I trust that the pages of this narrative prove to be both enlightening and helpful to all who follow the path of discovery in this book.

Dr. Michael Wesley, Sr. is pastor of Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama where he is given forty years of service. He has conducted hundreds of funerals and observed hundreds more from various cultures and countries. His passion for wanting to see families experience dignity and respect during one of its most difficult and tender times was a major factor in promoting this work. As a compassionate pastor, he wants to help the Christian realize that its views are not all that there is as it relates to this defining moment.