Ever since my first and only blog in January about my Grief Share candle ministry, I received so many words of affirmation about the beauty of this non-verbal expression of supporting loved ones during grief. Once you share an idea, the seeds are planted for others to spread their love to others. It only takes one tiny act to begin the snowball of heart-felt love.
When one is lost in the darkness of grief, being the light in the simplest form can go a long way. During this time of COVID-19, there are so many people that are experiencing their own form of grief. This pandemic has consumed many people with darkness due to lost routines, social disconnections, unstable family structure and a sense of loss from others passing away. Recognizing and honoring these stages of grief is essential, but I wanted to share some mourning into joy statements from some of our candle recipients through the years. In doing so, I pray that it brings you the sparkle of hope that is needed in finding creative ways to connect with others during this time:
“I never liked candles. Over the years, I get them a lot and use them as decoration, but this last year, we have been burning them and letting the aroma spread through our home. We will light the candle in honor of my grandma. It will comfort us during this time.” –From a teacher who lost their grandmother.
“I did our ritual last night. I lit a candle and prayed to my grandfather and I prayed to our Lord as well.” –From a friend who lost her grandfather and then her abuelita.
“Beautiful!! Now that I have read this, God whispered that I need to give a candle scent to someone close to me experiencing grief. I love you and will pray over your word of healing in 2020!” –From the creator of Ladies Who Love the Lord.
“My grief was lifted today, or at least moved to the side… I was the blessed recipient of this heartfelt circle of love. With every flame, I will replace sadness with comfort from my candle. God is so good!” –From the friend of creator of Ladies Who Love the Lord.
“Thank you! Your words are very comforting and your candles give me strength.” –From a friend who lost her mother.
“I will always light this candle when I am thinking of my dogs. I can’t stop crying but the light from the candle brings me peace.” –From a friend who lost their pet.
“I love this sacred candle ritual. I have since forwarded this act of kindness onto a couple of dear friends myself. Thank you for spreading the light and love into my heart and to others. Forever grateful.” –From a friend who lost their dad.
“Thank you and the rest of the MILE team for your thoughtfulness and support. You are among those that I know can truly understand this loss and it is comforting to know we are in your thoughts.” –From a 1st grade teacher that lost his student.
When you understand this type of grief, it is due to the deep Love that existed first!!! How blessed am I to love someone so greatly in my life that I will always remember the love they left behind for me to spread the love to others. “The better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.”
There is so much that I could have shared during the years of healing from mourning to joy. But God wanted me to come out with sharing love & light more than my pain. During the month of May, I have a huge project with God. He is showing me something and I will reveal soon! Until then, I will continue to serve others in our community that need “HEALING” (my word for 2020), as every day I am “HEALING” too.
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