About a week ago or so, I had mistakenly left my beautiful hanging flower basket outside during a storm. The storm came in the middle of the night and by the time I realized it, some of my flowers had been destroyed and were filled with far too much water. I felt so bad about it, especially as these were my special Mother’s Day flowers. Though I knew that maybe with a little extra care, they could be saved. So, I brought them in, as it was still raining. Once the sun came out again, I removed the bad parts, and left them in the sun to dry out and be nourished. It didn’t take long before the flowers started to heal and make a great recovery! With a lot of sunshine and some extra love, they once again graced my yard with beauty. I think we are like this sometimes as humans. We get consumed by the hard things that we just feel wilted and defeated. Though with some sunshine and love we are built back up and strengthened again. I know there have been times in my life where God has given me His sunshine to heal my heart, and even sent loved ones to help uplift me too. May we be like the much-needed sunshine in each other’s lives. May we also remember that God’s grace and His love is always ready to uplift our spirits, when we go through storms in our lives. I look out my window and my hanging basket is a beautiful sight to behold, and I am grateful to God for it.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Sunshine and love

Psalm 145:14 NIV

The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.

Psalm 40:2 NIV

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.

1 Peter 5:6 NIV

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Isaiah 41:10 NIV

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.