Beauty in the Ashes...

Every year, for several years now, I have been part of a beautiful ceremony called the Tree of Honor and Remembrance ceremony. This memorable tradition remembers and acknowledges those whose lives have been affected by violent crime. This very special holiday displays trees that have been adorned with ornaments provided by crime victims, survivors and their families from around the state of Oklahoma. These trees are dedicated to all violent crime victims, survivors, advocates and supporters no matter the circumstances. Each year I am honored to write and read a poem at the ceremony.

This year the keynote speakers were Duke Renfro and Linda Gardner. Shannon Gardner Renfro, Duke's wife and Linda's daughter, went home to heaven on March 4, 2009 when she passed away from gunshot wounds at the hands of her 12-year old son. Their prayers were that, in sharing Shannon's story, we all will find the "beauty in our ashes." Even though their lives have been touched by great loss, pain and sorrow, they know that God has great purpose in tragedy. They told an amazing story of inspiration and forgiveness tonight.

Before the ceremony I had heard a little bit about Duke and Linda's story. Linda had mentioned the verse Isaiah 61:3...God promises that He will "comfort those who mourn and give beauty for ashes". It really spoke to me so before I wrote my poem for the ceremony, I prayed for guidance in what to write. These are the words He gave me and what I read tonight at the ceremony. Hope you enjoy!

Beauty in the Ashes

The sun wouldn’t be so welcomed
if it didn’t come after the rain
an ocean without the waves
just wouldn’t be the same

The stars not as breathtaking
without the light of the moon
if it weren’t for faith
falling in love wouldn’t happen so soon

Life wouldn’t be fully lived
if we didn’t experience a few tears
without all of these together
true beauty disappears

God promises we’ll have comfort
in the times that we mourn
He holds every precious tear
when our hearts are torn

He provides beauty for the ashes
and peace within the pain
there will be blessings
hiding amongst the rain

We must take the time
and close our eyes
just be still
don’t ask why

There is more to life
than our eyes can see
we have to open our heart
in order to believe

If we see with our heart
rather than our eyes
we’ll discover the beauty
through the ashes in our lives

Inspire-A-Footprint today...
With love, Tonia

Inspire-A-Footprint today by forwarding this to a friend! They can sign up for daily doses of inspiration too! http://inspirationalfootprints.blogspot.com/