Goodness Weekly 10.23.23
“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.”
–Francis of Assisi
When The News Is Not Good:
My daughter sleeps safely next to me as I write this, and my heart breaks that so many have no safety.
I have no words that are enough. I only know that we all must do our part to work for the flourishing and freedom of our neighbors, from here in San Antonio to Gaza to Ukraine. I pray that you can find ways to keep your whole self well so that you can share goodness in your small part of the world.
Our Chapel will be available if you need a quiet place of prayer during the week, just send us a note.
A Message from Amber
Today’s message comes from our dear friend and founder of Shine On, a 5k in San Antonio dedicated to the memory of babies who have been lost prematurely and for the families who have grieved these losses, with the mission is to promote hope and healing by means of community.
Eat The Cake
Fifteen years ago, I sat in a hospital room, my face sticky from the steady flow of tears. At some point, I quit wiping them and had a thin layer of salt over my face. In the early morning hours of my 26th birthday, I delivered two tiny stillborn twin boys–Sean and Liam. The nurses had taken such care to gently wrap them and place them in a tiny blue box, adorned with painted white stars and clouds. And next to me sat numerous birthday cakes–my loved ones’ attempt to honor my life amidst my overwhelming grief.
I was sent home a few days later with empty arms and a shattered heart. And then the cards began to arrive. I received cards from my family and friends, but I also received cards from strangers. I had been placed on numerous prayer lists and so many people had individually reached out to their prayer warriors during our time of need to ask for prayer for us.
One of these parcels jumps to the forefront of my memory as I can picture sitting in my bed opening a letter from a woman who lived in another state. She recounted her own story of pregnancy loss and advised that in this time of deep sadness, I lean on others and that I should “eat the cake.” Rather than avoiding the things that used to spark joy or even offer a moment of comfort, I should indulge.
As I type this fifteen years later, I feel my eyes becoming misty at the thought of a stranger vulnerably sharing her own story of loss and offering a glimmer of something small to cling to. I don’t remember her name, but I remember her message.
For the past five years I have hosted a 5k for families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. However, this year, due to scheduling conflicts, I was unable to. And while this saddened me from a community perspective, this also took away from my own ability to feel that I was honoring Sean & Liam in a way that felt special.)
This year I turned 41, and Sean and Liam celebrated 15 heavenly birthdays. My husband had the idea to put “415” on the cake to reflect our bond and to honor us all. Fifteen years ago, with all the uneaten cakes in my hospital room, I never could have imagined sitting here today with immense gratitude. The light within others in the loss community, as well as faith in God, gently guided me here. Goodness, peace, and cake.
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, which is a particularly special time to many parents in our community. If you or someone you know has experienced pregnancy and infant loss, regardless of your journey, know that we are thinking of you and you are not alone.
What’s Good
Our friend and neighbor Scott is taking over the kitchen at November’s Supper Church.
Mark your calendars for a special Thanksgiving meal and come ready to chop, stir, and celebrate together (and don’t forget to practice your “Yes Chef!”).
Please RSVP the number of guests to Riley Stirman by Tuesday October 31st. All are welcome.
This Week
Sunday, Oct 29th
4:30pm Chapel Worship
6-7pm Every Season Sacred (open to all parents of school aged children, dinner & childcare provided)
6-7pm Youth Group
Coming Up
Sunday, Nov 5th
4:30pm Supper Church
6-7pm Every Season Sacred (open to all parents of school aged children, dinner & childcare provided)
6-7pm Youth Group
Saturday, Nov 11th Second Saturday featuring Storytime and crafts for all ages
Inhale:
When the anxiety, the grief, and the fear overwhelm me
Exhale:
Give me the courage to look to where I can help and how I can hope
