Welcome

This site was created by Nicholl McGuire, Inspirational Speaker and Author. Feel free to comment, share links and subscribe. If you have a business or would like to guest post feel free to contact. Check out topics on this blog and select what interests you. They are found at the bottom of this page. Peace and Love.

Sunday

Unmasking the Secret Life Behind White Passing

at No comments:
Labels:

Saturday

Overcoming Threats and Fear | NM Enterprise 7

at No comments:
Labels:

Thursday

When People Are Reluctant to Listen to God and His People | NM Enterprise 7

at No comments:
Labels:

Wednesday

Families in Conflict - not speaking, arguments, enablers, family challenges

at No comments:
Labels:

Tuesday

Rappers EXPOSE Demonic Agenda In Music | Candace Ep 28

at No comments:
Labels:

Thursday

“I Started Over at 48!”: How I Got Back Up, Stood My Ground & Took My Power Back! | Tamron Hall

at No comments:
Labels:

Monday

Funeral Planning with Wisdom and Care

 It's always tough to deal with the loss of a family member or friend. Emotions can be overwhelming, and decisions need to be made during this tough time. Here in America, the African American community’s funeral customs play a significant role in paying tribute to the deceased. However, funeral arrangements can feel overwhelming when you're uncertain about where to begin or how much it might cost. The following tips will help you with the planning process for both your loved ones and managing your finances. 


The Conversation That Changes Everything

It begins with a phone call from a family member sharing news of a loved one’s passing. You are stunned and need to come to terms with the loss before facing decisions and making necessary calls.   


Inform relatives about the situation. This may be done before or after necessary phone calls with a medical professional or coroner to confirm the passing away. Then contact a funeral home to handle the final arrangements for the deceased individual. These tasks can feel quite burdensome. Remember that you have support during this time from those who may be better able to handle the situation. Many funeral homes are there to guide you through this process with understanding and kindness. 


1)        To bury or to cremate – that is the question.

Regular funerals generally come with a hefty price tag ranging from $7000 to $12000 or more covering expenses like the casket, burial site, and related services while cremation tends to be more budget-friendly usually falling between $2000 to $4000 or more. Consider what your loved one would have preferred and respect their wishes and beliefs.   


When funds are limited, and you need to be mindful of expenses, cremation could help you save money. You can arrange for a service while being mindful of your budget constraints. This is one of many reasons why you will see on social media many families attempting to collect funds or having quick burials, the deceased may not have left behind finances to ensure a proper burial. 


    2)        Selecting the Appropriate Funeral Home

After that step is complete you should look for a funeral home to assist you in all aspects. From organizing the service to handling the paperwork. Make sure to inquire about a breakdown of costs without hesitation. You don't have to settle for the first funeral home you reach out to; it's wise to explore your options and compare prices first before making a decision.


3)        Is it a service or a celebration of life? 

Over the years, African American funerals have typically taken place at churches where music is played, and heartfelt stories are shared to remember the deceased and to celebrate their life. This is also a time to unite family members during challenging times; however, hosting a complete funeral service either at a church or funeral home can cost a lot.   


You could also consider having a "celebration of life" gathering at your home or a local community center. This option allows for an intimate setting while also potentially reducing expenses.   


Involve your family in the event by inviting them to participate in the service perhaps a family member who can sing or play an instrument could save money rather than hiring a musician. You could also suggest having a potluck where guests bring food instead of hiring a caterer. 


4)        Discuss the burial plot and headstone.

If you opt for a burial ceremony, you will have to buy a burial plot which usually costs between $1000 to $4000 or more on its own. Additionally, headstones or grave markers may amount to $1000 to $3000 or more. If this seems pricey, inquire about alternatives. Think about choosing a more basic grave marker.   

Certain burial grounds provide the option of payment plans or discounted rates for purchasing a burial plot in advance. Having discussions with family members regarding planning funeral arrangements before any unfortunate events take place could be beneficial.  


5)        Dealing with the financial aspect. 

Following a funeral service comes with the responsibility of addressing legal affairs such as managing life insurance policies and settling debts and wills. Tasks that might seem overwhelming initially can be tackled methodically to ease the burden of dealing with them all in one go.   


Some websites help with sorting paperwork and responsibilities following the passing of a loved one. Seek advice from legal professionals or financial consultants for estate planning assistance. 


Contemplating Biblical Teachings about Showing Respect to Those We Cherish.

In the Bible, stories illustrate how families cope with loss—like Abraham honoring his wife Sarah by buying a place for her and burying her respectfully (Genesis 23). Similarly, in the New Testament account of Lazarus’s death, in John 11 where his loved ones gathered to grieve and provide comfort and support. 

 

Though our funeral customs have evolved to be more intricate nowadays, the core essence of the ceremonies still revolves around honoring and commemorating the deceased. As Jesus famously said, “Those who grieve will find solace" (Matthew 5:3).  


Planning a funeral can be challenging; however, you can take solace in the fact that you are making an effort to honor your family members or friends. It's important to understand that it's not the amount of money spent that matters most, but rather the sincerity and affection shown during the funeral arrangements that make an impact that will be remembered. Take things one step at a time and rely on the support of your family and faith. Find comfort in the belief that you're not alone as God is watching over you.   


A Prayer for Direction

God, we come to you seeking guidance and courage as we go through this tough period in our lives. Please guide us in paying tribute to our loved one in a manner that brings solace and reassurance. Grant us insight as we face the choices before us. Bless us with the support to move forward. We are grateful for the love and cherished memories that bind us together. In Jesus’ name Amen.   

By following these tips and utilizing family support and resources, you can alleviate some of the emotional stress that comes with arranging a funeral service.


Nicholl McGuire is the author of Tell Me Mother You're Sorry and Say Goodbye to Dad, nonfiction books that provide knowledge and wisdom to help readers heal from parental emotional and physical abuse. Available on Amazon.com.

 

at No comments:
Labels:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

Search This Blog

Labels

a abortion about us absent fathers abuse abusive men abusive women adopted black children affirmative action africa african american african american achievers african american art african american audio books african american authors african american beauty african american bloggers african american books african american bookstores african american brothers african american business african american celebrities african american children african american chinese african american christian women african american christians african american churches african american clothing styles african american communities african american community african american cuisine african american culture african american dating african american dating sites african american deceivers african american dining african american documentaries african american drama african american drug dealers african american education african american elite african american entertainment african american family african american fathers african american friendships african american gamers african american genealogy african american gifts african american girls african american gods african american grandparents african american grants african american hair loss african american haircare african american hairstyles african american health issues african american heritage african american heterosexuality african american history african american holidays african american home owners african american homosexuality african american idols african american inventors african american korea african american lawyers african american leaders african american lifestyle african american magazines african american marriages african american media african american men african american mental illness african american ministers african american models african american mothers african american movies african american museums african american music african american music videos african american natural hair african american news african american occult african american online surfing african american opinion african american paintings African American parade african american parents african american photographers african american photography african american poets african american police officers african american political prisoners african american preachers African American producers african american prostitution african american radio shows african american relationships african american religion african american researchers african american russia african american samoan african american scholarships african american self-hate african american sex african american singles african american skin care african american skincare african american soldiers african american sons african american speakers african american spirituality african american statistics african american studies african american television networks african american thinking african american thoughts african american tips african american toys african american transhumanists african american travel african american voters african american wealth african american weaves african american wigs african american women african american women groups African American women in science african american women inventors african american workers african american writers african americans african americans and africans african americans jail african americans respect african americans workers african americans workplace african art african consciousness african decor african food african history ai tools american holidays ancestry anger management angry angry black man angry black woman angry black women angry blacks atlanta aunt tammy banks Barack Obama be encouraged bible big girls biracial people birth control bisexual black men black alliance for just immigration black american ignorance black american quotations black american racism black art websites black athletes black attitudes black business black celebrities black celebrity children black celebrity masons black cinema black conscious community black conscious women black dating services black dolls black education black elite groups black English people black family black feminists black grandmothers black greek organizations black history black history month black inventors black love black men black men and white women black music black national anthem black nationalism black panthers party black people and summer time black people attitude black preachers black racists black radio stations black scholars black singles black sitcoms black skin black stereotypes black toys black women blacks with an attitude blessings and curses blog owner boule boxer brainwashed blacks celebrities and god cheating childhood childless women children activities chris brown chris rock christina milian civil rights civil war cold-blooded african americans colorism communication communication skills community assistance confrontation construction in haiti constructive criticism contract with black america controlling black folks controlling men controlling women counselors crazy blacks crisis dark skin dating dating violence death deceased black legends depression difficult people disorders diversity domestic violence down low celebrities dreaming eastern stars economics educated blacks education elderly black folks employment entrepreneur eugenics exes experiences faith family history family issues family secrets fat african americans fearful blacks fema camps financial assistance first black president food stamps fools fraternal organizations free stuff freemasons french african friendships funeral planning funny african americans funny black man funny black people funny black woman funny stuff gay black men generational curses ghetto gifted african americans going green good black men gospel music gossip government Haiti haiti earthquake haiti fault line happiness harlem haters helpful links hidden medical experiments high blood pressure highly sensitive blacks hip hop culture hip hop fashion homosexuals honest black folk housing assistance how to approach a black woman how to get exposure on this site human trafficking hurricane relief ignorant black people illuminati insecure women inspiration internet dating interracial relationships israel jaguar wright jamaicans jealous men jealous women jealousy jobs juneteenth keep it real kwanzaa laboring to love an abusive mate liars light skin lottery loud mouth blacks love lust lynching make money manhood manipulative media manmade earthquakes martin luther king barack obama medicine memorial day menopause mental issues michael jackson michael jackson children mother michelle obama mike tyson mike tyson daughter military mind control minority women scholarships misogyny modern day slavery money moors motivation multiracial celebrities music lyrics music videos narcissism natural disasters negro spirituals nelson mandela nicole richie nonblack not african american Obama obama campaign Obama sworn in obese black people offended blacks old school overweight african americans paranoid paranormal passing for white patience patti labelle paula abdul peace pedophilia perimenopause poems police poor african americans population control positivity post traumatic slave syndrome postpartum depression poverty prayers prejudice prescriptions president barack obama president elect barack obama prideful prostate cancer and black men protests racial problems racism racist republicans rappers rb music groups reality shows recycling reggae music relationships relatives religion revenge reverse discrimination rhianna rich african americans samples and trials SARS scammers scams scandalous pastors scary blacks schizophrenia secret societies self esteem self hate self righteous senator barack obama sex sexual harassment shopping siblings skin bleaching skull and bones slavery social issues social networking society sociopaths sometimey black folks soul food spiritual african americans spiritual warfare sports state of the union address strange black folks stubbornness superstition surveys terri seymore the man threats tired black man tired black woman toxic parents travel trends twitter uncle tom unemotional unemployment ungrateful black folks voter privacy war whistleblowers white american racism white people wisdom women friends work at home youtubers
Creative Commons License
African American Planet: Relationships, Education, Products & Lifestyle by Nicholl McGuire is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at africanamericanplanet.blogspot.com.

Translate