Passages

 

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    Cliff Temple Baptist Church - Dallas, TX  
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Passages by 
Glen Schmucker, Pastor

 
The Last Loving Act

My father was one of the most organized people I ever knew.  But, to my surprise, he had not done nearly enough to make plans for his final affairs.  Within hours of his death, we found ourselves in a very confusing situation.  For a while, we did not know the location of his money or how to gain access to it, even to pay for his funeral.  We did not know what funeral home to call and had to plan the service from scratch.  I’m compelled to ask, what have you done to plan for your final affairs?

 

Do you have an up-to-date will or trust?  Have you protected your estate from unnecessary estate taxes?  Do you have Powers of Attorney in the event you become incapacitated?  Do you have a Directive to Physicians expressing your wishes in the event of terminal illness and incapacity?  Do those you want to handle your affairs know your wishes, where your assets and legal documents are and have legal access to them?  If you have dependent children, who will provide for their care in the event of your untimely death?  A good attorney (our church has several) can help you answer these questions in a way that is best for you and your family.  The peace of mind is worth the cost.

 

 
Making final plans is an admission that we will die.  Failing to make that admission and plan accordingly only makes our estate settlement more emotionally strenuous and expensive for those we love when we are gone.

If nothing else, making these plans is an act of good stewardship, ensuring that all one has worked for all his or her life is properly protected and transferred at death.  It is also the last loving act for those we love who will be there to grieve when we are gone.


 

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