Beauty for Ashes

"He gives beauty for ashes, strength for fear, gladness for mourning, peace for despair..."

                                                                                  - Crystal Lewis

 

Beauty for Ashes is an idea that God put in my heart and mind some time ago, but was officially brought to  life just yesterday while my husband and I shopped in Target. 

Jon's grandmother, our sweet Gramma Betty, lost her husband [Grampa Dick] about 3 weeks ago. 

Here she is, hugging him goodnight. 

She was able to keep strong and cling to Jesus during those final weeks of his life, but after his passing she has been struggling through the initial stages of grief and mourning. 

I've heard from others (and have read in books) that grieving comes in waves. One day may be a lot easier than the next, and at any moment you may come across something (a note, a song, a smell, a memory...) that will spark a fresh wave of tears and sorrow. 

Grieving is never easy. 

For years now I've had it on my heart to do something, anything, to love and support widows. 

It took me a while, but in Target yesterday, I finally did something about that idea.

My thought was to put together a small but meaningful care package to send to Gramma Betty, including several small packages of kleenex tissue (to dry her tears,) her favorite candy (black licorice, to lift her spirits,) and a box of soothing Sleepytime tea (to help her relax before bed.)

She lives in Washington, so we will be sending the package out today, along with a note from the both of us, letting her know she is so loved and very much prayed for as she moves forward in this journey.

I'm the type of person who thrives on encouraging words from my friends and loved ones.

When my time comes to suffer a deep loss (whether it be the loss of my parents or a close friend, or even my husband -which I hope will never happen, at least not anytime soon...) I know I will be extremely grateful to anyone who gives me a word of hope, a hug, a card, or a care package. 

I want to do that for others, not just our grandmother. 

Beauty for Ashes is the name I've given to this small ministry of caring for widows in the best way I can. 

* I will pray for them, by name, daily

* I will send them a personalized, encouraging handwritten note of love and support, weekly

* and I will send them one care package, including things that will be meaningful to them.

I will do this for each woman (young or old) for a period of 3 months per person.

This is where you come in.

Within my social circle I know of a total of 3 widows, including Gramma Betty.

I'd like to do this for women beyond my circle. 

If you know of any woman (young or old) who has lost her husband (a short time ago or a long time ago) please do not hesitate to contact me and we'll take it from there. 

ApplesofGoldBlog@gmail.com

* I will need their home address and full name, which I will treat as completely private and confidential. I will never post anything about them on my blog, unless given specific and direct permission from them.

My one and only goal is to help build up hope and joy in the hearts of these women.

Isaiah 61:1-3