here I was getting on the elevator with a vase of red roses and a 24-inch balloon blaring bold red Valentine expressions. Chocolate, roses, PJs, and dinners offer us Valentine sacraments of deep human connections.
Well, as Norma, a virtual stranger, got on the elevator, my possessions sparked conversation. She just knew my tokens would be well received. She went on to express her fond memory of Walter, her late husband who frequently showered her with tokens of care. Walter had passed away from a massive heart attack in 2012 but the warm memories of his expressions still lingered.
Norma is one of the fortunate ones. Her sorrow from her deep loss had clearly entered a non-grieving phase. But what about those who still feel the wounds of loss? To be more specific, what about those who have suffered the sting of loss from divorce, death or dementia and still are on the grieving or healing journey?
Support is needed after major life challenges. When children have moved away or the community of work colleagues has diminished due to retirement, the church community becomes a vital link to help us navigate these challenges. The Heartlifters ministry of Sligo is focused on bringing healing and hope to those experiencing these life circumstances.
Heartlifters was born out of the stings of real losses, and strives to provide events and resources to combat the dreary loneliness of loss, that can bring the onset of consequential mental and physical maladies. The Heartlifters ministry is pleased to sponsor a special Sabbath that will be filled with a fragrant basket of stories and healing resources for these circumstances.
You may have seen posters or flyers with Pastor Mike Tucker of Faith for Today being the featured speaker at “Tears to Joy Sabbath,” slated for this Sabbath, February 29. Mike suffered the loss of his wife, which took him to a pain-filled valley. However, he has since been shepherded into a better place, restored and ready to share his story and overcoming experience. In addition to Mike, there will be afternoon workshops on managing grief, divorce, and dementia from some fine professionals.
Who would best benefit from this event?
- You may be a friend of someone going through one of these deep valleys right now. They only have enough emotional energy to cope with the basics of living. They need a friend to encourage, invite, and accompany them to this healing event.
- You may have the gift of presence to be there for a friend going through that dreaded valley moment. You do not know what to say and may feel inadequate. Come and be informed and gain confidence in your ministry.
- You maybe someone who is tired of the empty loneliness of loss and looking for resources and a caring community to break out. This may be just the key to fresh freedom.
- The Swedes have a powerful proverb that may quicken your heart’s direction on this matter: Shared joy is double joy. Shared sorrow is half sorrow.
Register now and experience both: heartlifters.org/rsvp
We need you to register without hesitation, so that we can fully prepare to host you!