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 Butterfly Effect

The "butterfly effect" suggests that the whir of air released by a butterfly's wings can magnify over time to release a power that can affect weather patterns thousands of miles away.  An unnoticed, seemingly insignificant action can intensify to a storm of consequence.

Amazing, isn't it?  One tiny act of kindness can spread and make a difference throughout the world!

The movie - Pay It Forward - is a good example of the impact one person can have on others.  It all started out with an idea Trevor came up with for a seventh-grade assignment.  He would pass on an act of kindness to three people, and each of them in turn would pass on a good deed to three more.  A tiny act stirred up a whirlwind of kindness.

A friend of mine bought two extra copies of Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back to share with others.  I received one copy and shared it with some neighbors whose lives were touched by it.  One neighbor bought a copy and passed it around, and some of those people are buying their own copy to share.  God works in mysterious ways.  A flap of the wings and the power releases.

Do you ever feel like you don't make an impact on the world around you?  Even if you don't hear any positive feedback, you are making a difference. Years ago in a Bible Study using THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE, a woman who washed hospital bedding wondered how what she does could ever have a purpose or be glorifying to God.  She woke me up to how much I take little things for granted.  Those same crisp, white sheets I have laid on in a hospital bed were washed by a woman who thought she wasn't making a difference in the world.  In reality, her quiet flap of wings has made a greater difference than she will ever realize.

What we do not only affects those around us today, but it may ripple on and shape the lives of those who are not yet born.  Awesome, yet scary.  How do we live our lives?  Do we make positive differences?

Let's be the butterflies of love and kindness.  If one pair of wings can intensify into a storm, imagine what we can do together.

*******

“What I do you cannot do; but what you do, I cannot do. The needs are great, and none of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful.” - Mother Teresa

How has an act of kindness affected you?

What are little ways you can make a positive difference?

True Friendship

Several years ago I jotted down some quotes about friendship, and I'd like to share some of my favorites with you.  Just sit in silence for a while and soak up the depths of meaning in each one.

What is a real friend?

"A friend loves at all times..." Proverbs 17:17

“A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” Walter Winchell

“Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.” G. Randolf

How can I be a true friend?

“Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Walk beside me and be my friend.” Albert Camus

“If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” Mother Teresa

 “When you love, you wish to do things for. You wish to sacrifice for. You wish to serve.” Ernest Hemingway

Ultimate Friendship

The quote by Hemingway about sacrifice speaks volumes of what real friendship is, and I can't think of a better example than how Jesus sacrificed His life for us.

Friends on earth will always have flaws and weaknesses and sometimes will even turn their backs on us, but Jesus is a Friend Who always has and always will remain faithful and steadfast.  He knows our deepest secrets, and yet He will never betray us.  He has paid the ultimate sacrifice for us, and He will never, never, never leave us or forsake us.

"What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear..."

Do you have friendship quotes or experiences to share?

What personal experience revealed Jesus as your BEST FRIEND?