On Friday morning, a beautiful soul went to heaven. Many of us in our community are mourning the loss of a sweet, faithful friend who courageously fought her battle with cancer for years. On Friday evening, our town was covered by this beautiful double rainbow. When I saw this rainbow, I couldn’t help but think of God, and our dear friend.
In the Bible, God used the rainbow as a symbol to remind Noah of His promise. The rainbow wasn’t a sign just for Noah, but was for all future generations since- including us - to be reminded of God’s faithfulness. Therefore, the rainbow serves as a reminder that God is faithful and His promises are true. Because of this, when I saw this rainbow, it meant to me that our friend was now fully healed and well, with Him.
Seeing the rainbow didn’t make the sadness of losing her go away. Yet there was a comfort that came in knowing I can trust His Word in this time, and in any time. And this rainbow gave us joy on a day where joy didn’t seem accessible, just as our selfless friend would want for us.
Even though we believe in God and His promises, it doesn’t mean we won't experience the sadness and grief we all have to go through. Yet the gift of this rainbow serves as a reminder for us to look to Him, and His promises, to help us through. This is easier said than done, as grief is heavy. But I witnessed the faith of my friend give her strength and peace to help her through the past few years, and I know she wants us to lean on Him too.
I share this with you today because the world lost a bright light this week in our community and it’s a hard loss to reconcile. I am not sure what is going on with you today, but maybe there is something you are having a hard time reconciling with too. I invite you to join me too…
pause. breathe. pray.™
May we look at this rainbow, and any rainbow we see moving forward, and be reminded that it is a gift from God and serves as a reminder of His everlasting covenant with us. No matter what we are having trouble reconciling with in our hearts and minds, may we trust in His promises to help us through, just as my dear friend did.
And before you go, I have a favor to ask of you, please choose to live out love today in memory of sweet, loving, selfless Val, whose love shined brighter than the sun and keep her husband and two teens in your prayers. Thank you.
With love and hope,
Shawn
Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting
covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”
- Genesis 9:16