Funerals are among the saddest moments that one experiences in life.  Yet, in many ways, they are truly a celebration of the life of the deceased and of those attending the services.  They provide an opportunity for both immediate and extended family members and friends to reconnect – frequently, with surprising results.

A case in point is my nephew Paul, the only real southerner in our family.  Born in Texas, Paul has obviously absorbed some of the “old time religion” that is prevalent in the South.  And so, to the list of inspirational contemporary preachers including Rick Warren, Jack Van Impe, Gardner C. Taylor, and Jimmy Swaggart, we can add the name Paul Maloney.