Flight of Hope

I had heard about “Flight of Hope” where loved ones are honored in the releasing of butterflies, but I had never experienced it.  On Tuesday morning, Life 96.5 announced it.  On a whim, an hour before it started at 5:30pm, I decided to check it out.  I rejoice that I did.

My daughter-in-law and four grandkids picked me up and we were just going to observe, but I ended up purchasing one of their extra butterflies.

When the gal asked me the names of my loved ones, I told her my parents' names, but in my heart I was also thinking how much I wanted to let go of the bad things in my life.  Let go of all the pain but also the hidden grudges I have in my heart against those who have hurt me in my life, whether through abuse or slander or lack of support, etc.  That deep-seated bitterness I may not even be aware I have.  That sense of betrayal that builds walls against meaningful relationships. That false shame that holds me back from feeling the freedom there is in Jesus.

Inspirational singing, stories, and Bible references resonated under the dome in Sertoma Park. As I held the wax envelope that held my Monarch butterfly, we wondered, “Is it even alive?”  Then music started and the butterfly began to move its wings and its two front legs like it was pleading, “Let me out, let me out, let me out...” 

This twanged a deep yearning in my soul.  Oh Jesus, so often I still feel so trapped by bad things that happened to me in the past.  I believe You want me to write, but so often I’m so afraid to. I worry more about what people might think or say instead of being concerned with what is to Your honor. Please free me, Lord, and let me fly free for YOU!  

I marveled how free my mom and dad are now. Nothing fetters them anymore. Jesus, You have paid the price for them. Help me to let go of any clinging hurts and dwell only on the many precious memories You have given because of their presence in my life.

When their names were called, I carefully opened my envelope and let the butterfly crawl into my hand, but it flew away so quickly that all the photo showed were empty hands and mouthed "ohs."

Then some gals from the sponsors saw us and let my grandkids hold a couple of extra butterflies.  My heart rejoiced to see the awe on their little faces! 

The memories of that day still linger in my heart.  I'm not always comfortable in crowds, but I'm so glad I answered the nudge in my heart to go. My faithful God's blessings to a doubting soul like me just keep on multiplying. 

In what ways have you "let go" of your loved ones and/or released painful memories in your life?

The Healing Sun of Righteousness

As I gaze through my office windows, I complain in my heart at the freezing rain drizzling down with snow soon to follow.  I cringe at the thought of icy roads and cars skidding.  So many people trying to get to their destinations for Thanksgiving Day.  My husband, too, is trying to get home, and my muscles are as tight as a rubberband stretched to its limits.

I am reminded of a day almost twenty-six years ago when I stood in the kitchen of my soon-to-be husband.  The weather was just like this as my fiance drove to pick up his parents. 

I trembled with fear as I stood at the kitchen counter.  Something will happen, won't it?  It's too good to be true that I will marry the man I long prayed for.  God must be showing that He doesn't approve. 

Then I pleaded with God and prayed that the Sun of righteousness would arise with healing in His wings, that God would bless our union, our lives, our children.  Miraculously, the sun came out and bathed me with light and warmth.  Later I learned that the same miracle awed my fiance as he drove home.

The sun soon hid again until during our marriage ceremony in our living room.  As we stood and kneeled and promised each other our love and commitment, the sun broke forth in brilliance through the bay window, shining its light on us.  Even the minister said, "God must have sent His sunshine for you."

The sun again hid after the ceremony, but the warmth of its rays still lingers in my heart.  Not only did I receive a precious husband that day, but I also gained five precious children.  And over the years, through many trials, God has remained faithful.  Again and again He sends His Son to shine in our hearts and strengthen us through each day, even when we can't always see His rays.

So today, when the weather is so grey and gloomy, I will try to focus on Jesus and His ever-warming love and healing power. 

Readers, wherever you are or whatever you are going through, I pray the love of Jesus will give you hope on Thanksgiving Day and forever.  May the Sun of righteousness fill your heart with light and peace!