![]() I shared with a friend yesterday that sometimes my grief seems unimportant because of all that we are experiencing right now—a global pandemic, social outcry and unrest, etc. She reminded me that we needed to make space to grieve our own losses. I know this is essential and yet the reminder was like a salve for my soul. I needed to unplug and thankfully, moving gave me a small break. I even spent time working on my plants with another friend. They had become too cramped. They needed room to grow and to be pruned. Thankfully, my friend is deft at gardening and came prepared to save my plants—she even brought me potting soil! This morning, as I added more soil to a Peace lily I received when Kelyn passed, I chuckled as I thought about how much happier it seemed. Its leaves opened up in its new pot and look like they have always been housed in this bigger pot. Like this plant, I look forward to giving myself more room—to grow, to be pruned, to be watered, to grieve, to cry, to feel, to process, to be happy. I am making space to just be. As I gaze at this plant, I am reminded of this scripture in Isaiah 61:2-3: [God will] comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve...[He will] bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning...[we will be] a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. (Isaiah 61:2-3) If you have been feeling like I have, I am declaring this scripture over you too. Let’s make room. May God give us beauty for our ashes.
9 Comments
Bettie H Kingsberry
6/18/2020 09:40:47 am
Beautifully expressed, moving and planting have caused you to begin your pruning and journey to new growth in your life. When a flower first blooms open it look so radiant and refreshed. You are budding my friend.
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Francemise Kingsberry
6/18/2020 11:14:02 am
Thank you, my friend!
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Jeanette Zackery
6/18/2020 10:00:04 am
Thank you so much for the words of encouragement. There are days I when I feel like I'm boxed in and can't go on. I pray for strength and comfort for you.
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Francemise Kingsberry
6/18/2020 11:05:38 am
Jeanette,
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Erica
6/18/2020 05:35:57 pm
Beautiful expression! Thanks for sharing and being so vulnerable. This is and will forever be of great value to you and your children for years to come. I’m grateful for the work He’s doing and appreciative to witness His glory!!!
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Francemise Kingsberry
6/22/2020 08:33:42 am
Dear Erica,
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6/27/2020 10:14:24 am
I am so glad I found your site. You are a gifted communicator. Thanks for reminding me that it is okay to make space for me.
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Francemise Kingsberry
6/28/2020 08:09:02 pm
Dear Carolyn,
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AuthorNew Jersey Native. Proud Haitian-American. UNC-Chapel Hill (First-Generation College) Graduate. Double Tar Heel who obtained a Doctorate from NC State. Educator. Devoted Daughter and Sister. Loving Wife and Mother. Lover of People. Photographer. Poet. Home Chef. Singer. Worshiper. Preacher and Motivational Speaker. Virtuous Woman. I am who I am by the Grace of God. Archives
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