SHINE AGAIN!

Chapter 2: Shining and Soaring You were meant to shine! In Matthew 5:16 (NIV), we read, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Just like my star, you too can shine, perhaps not on a mountain side or radio tower, but rather on a stage, podium, field, classroom, company, church, in your neighborhood, or at home. Embrace your gifts, talents, skills, and abilities! Please don’t compare yourself to others and their sparkle. You were created uniquely. There is nobody exactly like you and never will be. Your shine is distinctive and special. God placed it in you and the world needs it! When we have been hurt or are disappointed, mad, sick, sad, lonely, or upset, we oftentimes cannot see kindness, goodness, or hope in others, much less in ourselves. Please remember to dust off your star and begin to shine again. It is possible! Read Galatians 5:22-23 in the Bible about the fruits of the Spirit. Try to practice at least one fruit of the Spirit each day. Even if showing love is just sending an encouraging text message to someone you love. We always feel better about ourselves when we connect with others. I had so many angels who came to my rescue during my grief. My sweet sister-in-law knew I was struggling financially as well as emotionally. Dee is a realtor and once the towers were cleared away, she put my home on the market. It sold very quickly. She would not take any commission for the sale. She was certainly a God-send and a shining star. Jesus was shining His light through her generous heart. Meals were brought to my home from the elementary school where I taught, from our Tae Kwon Do students and families, and from my church. My best friend Sandra went through Mori’s clothes for me so I could donate them. My college friends visited me, prayed with me and comforted me. My close childhood friend Kim treated me to a spa over the weekend of my estate sale so I would not have to watch my belongings sold in order for me to pay my bills. My dear co-worker Kyra was a steadfast friend by checking on me daily. After church, I often found Bible verses under the windshield wiper of my car. Colleagues brought me Christian CDs. Friends took me out to dinner. I had an amazing support system! On December 12th, I contacted Tim to ask if he had put my star on his tower for the Christmas season. He told me that he had not yet due to the ice storm, but that he would the next week. I informed him that I was going to drive to Abilene the next day to see my youngest son, Chase, graduate from Abilene Christian University. I told him there was no hurry. After a lovely visit with family and friends, and Chase’s graduation, I drove back home singing the ACU alma mater song. One of the verses states, “…like stars shining brightly above you, your fame will shine brightly for aye.” How apropos! So many loved ones in my life had shone their Christ lights and come to my aid! That evening, I attended a Christmas pageant at my church. During the beautiful song “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem”, as the choir sang “above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by,” I felt my phone vibrate on my lap. The text from one of Mori’s close friends read, “is this your star?” The text included a photo of my Stella star shining like a diamond against the black velvet sky! Silent tears fell as I saw my beloved star shining and soaring once again, and blessing passersby! I found Tim’s address online and asked my friend Kyra to go with me for moral support the following evening. We sat in the car and had tears of joy. It was therapy for my soul to see my star up so high sending rays of hope! Stars are signs of hope after all. Knowing that my star was shining bright in Parker, Texas, during my first Christmas without Mori gave me incredible hope! After teaching first grade all day, I drove by my star a few times on cold nights when I was drowning in grief. Holidays usually bless us but also tend to amplify our sadness when we are missing our loved ones. If you can find any signs of light that soothe your wounds of loss and darkness, gravitate to them, much like I did with my Stella Star! Find hope in your sufferings.