Life, loss & love…
Today begins a weekend at Camp Piasa for members of Chosen to Shine non-profit. Our mission is to give young adults hope for their future through faith, fellowship, music and motivation with the opportunity to serve others, leaving everyone in the knowledge that they matter and are CHOSEN TO SHINE!
Last year’s camp was held only a few months after two families lost their oldest boys. Chosen to Shine began in their memory. The following was from the heart that was shared at camp last year. So much has changed since then, yet so much is the same. I pray it helps those with loss find hope and direction, knowing they are loved.
If you can make yourself a better person, do it. If you can change the world for the better, or your family, or your neighborhood, or your state or country then go take care of it. To SHINE doesn’t always mean the easy life, so don’t be afraid to sacrifice and work hard to build a life that brings you and others joy. Remember that selfishness rarely pays off the way you may think it should. Giving always gives back and mostly to you. Don’t let work or school consume you. Make space for family and friends.
Laugh! I pray you laugh often. Life is hard sometimes. I know there are people you miss. Sometimes those people or relationships can’t be replaced, but you are able to make new ones. Find kindred spirits to enjoy this life with you. Eat meals with them. Go see crappy movies and make fun of them, but always clean up after the movie is over. Go watch your friends aspire to be more. Choose outdoor adventures over electronics. Do something meaningful and amazing. Build a habit of thankfulness and a life full of things to be thankful for.
Be loved. There are relationships we find ourselves in that consistently drain us. You know the ones I mean. The people who always have a reason why you should do things their way. The ones who imply that you are wrong because your opinion may be different than the norm. That is okay! He gave you life don’t waste it! Find people who understand how precious you are and who are not afraid to tell you so. Find people who will say hard things to you because they want you to grow and have a better life, not because they are trying to control you or lead you down a dark path.
Be brave. There are people out there who will love you just the way you are. You deserve that goodness. Go find them. Don’t let them go. Fill your life with them. God loved you first and He gave you a family. Always show those who love you, respect and honor them.
I believe your loved ones wish you no pain or sorrow and if they could change your sadness they would. They would want you to live a full, beloved, beautiful life. I pray that you are and that you will. The fact that you loved them is a sure sign of how much they loved you. Accept the love that comes from the people around you. Know that God made the stars that SHINE back. I see them as a reminder of what love is. He made them and chose to love you forever.
No one will ever be quite the way they were, but many will see in you, some of the same qualities and beautiful bits that your loved one did. Love is as strong as death. Love is inevitable, powerful and eternal. It can’t be escaped. It can’t be avoided. It won’t be forgotten. When death is gone, love will remain. Live each day knowing Love is forever and Life is eternal for all through Jesus Christ. Make today count. Make a change for the best! Walk outside, look up, be happy and SHINE!
From the heart…I am immensely thankful for your love and friendship. Live a good life and be loved. You are an incredible person!
Love Forever – MamaC
Faith, hope, love abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
