Shine in the dark…
Look Up Be Happy is a journey of getting from grief to grace. It is one family that has experienced the loss of a child. I have been told that honesty in this journey could be helpful to others. It is for this reason that I present our reality. Grief is not an experience I would wish on anyone, although too many live it each day. Each person works through loss in their own way. This blog has been written to be a real life view of our experience. It is not always happy, but expects that through loss, we can still choose to look up and be happy. Our son would have wanted that for us, his family. As his mother, I feel confident in writing that statement.
Chosen to Shine is the action behind the words of this blog. It is not only a way to help us heal, but hope that it will help others heal as well. To come from such a place of darkness to try to shine light is difficult. It can only be done through a walk by faith. Not everyone has faith and it is difficult when life takes you through a tragedy. I have no idea how I would have survived our loss without my faith. Lately, we have been tested by some that what we are doing makes no difference. When you are willing to put your life or loss on display, you take that chance. I understand this.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:9-10.
Our fundraiser, Chosen Palooza was held last week. The photo above are the Chosen to Shine participants. I believe it was an amazing testament of faith and talent by many young adults. The performers gave all of their God given abilities with heart and soul that evening. Hours of practice and dedication went into this concert. The theatre was filled with support! We have had hearts lifted and amazing testimonies from supporters of our Chosen Palooza. This is the first of many events, for young adults in our community. Events that give a place to see “the big picture” by serving others, giving of their time and talents for something larger than themselves.
“Despite our brokeness, despite our own pain, despite a world that doesn’t necessarily encourage you to shine, DESPITE all you could see as being against you, you have a God who is FOR you…You SHINE BECA– USE you were CHOSEN!” Kelly Corday, our Chosen Palooza emcee’s wise words.
Chosen to Shine held a sand volleyball tournament this past Saturday, at Glik park, in Edwardsville. There was a great attendance of young adults. Bar-b-que, music and friendly competition on a sunny Saturday was a positive option for the afternoon. Our family would like to thank those involved for an awesome day!
I believe with all my heart, that Chosen to Shine IS needed. It was needed when I was a teen and even more so today. There has been loss of life of four young adults, in the past two weeks, that I know of personally. My heart aches with each life that is cut short for a multitude of reasons. We are here on this earth for a short time. I believe we should do what we can, while we are here, to brighten up this world. Shine so that people can see it in your face, in your actions, words and in your heart. Do not make it your mission to add to the darkness. Look Up Be Happy is not meant to be “just a blog or reminder that my son is dead.” It is meant to shed real light on a topic no one wants to discuss. I pray each day it gives hope to others facing dark circumstances in their lives.
To SHINE is a mindset, it’s a choice. It takes discipline, focus and trust in your faith to make positive choices in life. We have all been given circumstances that allow opporutnities to SHINE in the dark, look up and be happy. You can take these opportunities to look deep within yourselves and say, what can I do to SHINE? I pray in your life that you choose to make a difference, to Look Up, Be Happy and SHINE like stars at night! Do not let others burn out your light, SHINE BRIGHT!
Peace & Blessings on your journey…MamaC
