In the movie, this symbolic phrase refers to the series of events that unfolds on earth, then repeats itself again and again: from beginning to end, from cradle to grave, from birth to death. Simba grows up, learns about life, and becomes the Lion King—and then his son will likewise grow up, learn about life, and become the Lion King.
In the Bible, animals and people exist together and both go through the circle of life. Ecclesiastes 3:19-20 (NLT) reads, “ For people and animals share the same fate—both breathe and both must die . . . Both go to the same place—they came from dust and they return to dust.”
With this theme, how does one honor the clan members who have gone home to Jesus? We found an old hymn, “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” written in 1907 by Ada R. Habershon (music by Charles H. Gabriel). The lyrics hope for the circle to remain unbroken—that we who are left behind will follow in their footsteps and emulate their great faith so that one day, we will all be together in the great beyond for a grand reunion. We used this hymn in a slide presentation remembering and thanking the Lord for our forebears during the memorial/thanksgiving service.
Will the Circle Be Unbroken?
One by one their seats were emptied.
One by one they went away.
Now the family is parted.
Will it be complete one day?
The photos below tell the story of our clan’s circle of life—how its members have celebrated the grace of family, pioneered by my maternal grandparents 74 years ago.
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| First family reunion, 1945 |
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| Our grandparents with their 9 children, my mom among them |
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| Half of the family circle to end 2018 and begin 2019 |
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| 74th clan reunion attendees |
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