By Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott

Last week, I was honored to officiate two memorial services here in Arizona. Shortly after, I traveled to Louisiana to attend my aunt's funeral—not as a pastor, but as a nephew, son, brother, and cousin. It reminded me that while we as clergy wear many hats—pastor, counselor, officiant, and comforter—the roles we hold within our own families can be the most difficult to navigate. In times of grief, we are called to lead and sit quietly with our sorrow, love, and loss.

Funerals and memorials are full of sadness, but they also bring moments of joy. We tell stories, laugh through tears, and remember what mattered most. In the South, we often say someone has "gone on to glory"—a phrase filled with sorrow and hope.