Frank J. Buchman

Cowboy • Horseman • Writer

Power Of Horses Hereafter

“So many of our friends and heroes have gone away.”

In two weeks, we’ve been saddened by passing of three longtime acquaintances with admirable reflections of each at their memorials.

As we sat next to a cowboy-veterinarian friend at the rodeo, we talked about cowboys we’ve mutually known and admired.

Mention was made that we’d not seen him at one service, and tactlessly asked: “You don’t like funerals?” Immediately, we apologized for the inappropriate remark, as he solemnly shook his head.

Nobody wants to attend such rites, truly, but we do out of honor and sake of the living. Each is different in respect, remembering another in a personal way.

As maturity comes, these occasions increase. Our horse doctor commented, “When my parents became older, about the only social life they had was attending funerals.” Then, they were the only ones left

So sad, yet true. Always one thinks what should have been done before the passing.

While some contend there is never a good funeral, it depends on faith. Yet, realistically, we have been attended too many bad funerals. The eulogist had no clue who the loved-one was, pulled a form-homily from the file, read it and went without apology.

Having attended many memorials, last week’s celebration of life for a renowned cowboy was the most fitting. Never has one reflected true-life supported with more Biblical passages.

Reflection of Job 39:19-25: “Do you give the horse its strength or clothe its neck with a flowing mane?  Do you make it leap like a locust, striking terror with its proud snorting?  It paws fiercely, rejoicing in its strength, and charges into the fray.  It laughs at fear, afraid of nothing; it does not shy away from the sword.  The quiver rattles against its side, along with the flashing spear and lance.  In frenzied excitement it eats up the ground; it cannot stand still when the trumpet sounds.  At the blast of the trumpet it snorts, ‘Aha.’  It catches the scent of battle from afar, the shout of commanders and the battle cry.”

Reminded everyone of Psalm 20:7: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God”.  Then, Proverbs 21-31: “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.”

+++ALLELUIA+++

IX–25–6-21-15

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