The scene reminded me a bit of one from Anne of Green Gables.
Remember the dramatic, solemn, forsaken scene where she pretends to be the Lady of Shalot?
She rested inside a wooden canoe and was sent out to her watery grave.
500 survivors gathered to spend a weekend releasing, growing, learning, connecting and networking.
Some of us had the opportunity to go a boat tour and release lanterns.
The lanterns represented anything we wanted to let go of.
The mood was somber.
These precious souls are warriors and the battles they have endured have been brutal.
We carefully dropped the delicate vessels into the water.
Tears steamed down many faces as we sang a verse of a cherished hymn.
We sat in reflective silence.
As we began our trek back to the dock, we noticed several high schoolers who were taking prom photos at the lake’s edge.
They noticed us, too.
One young man yelled out, “PARTY BARGE!”
The entire atmosphere shifted.
Tears turned to laughter.
I blurted out, “If only they knew!”
Then, I caught myself and declared, “We’re BECOMING a party barge!”
Surely, He is turning our mourning into dancing!
He is trading our ashes for beauty!
“Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.” Psalm 126:5
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Remember the dramatic, solemn, forsaken scene where she pretends to be the Lady of Shalot?
She rested inside a wooden canoe and was sent out to her watery grave.
500 survivors gathered to spend a weekend releasing, growing, learning, connecting and networking.
Some of us had the opportunity to go a boat tour and release lanterns.
The lanterns represented anything we wanted to let go of.
The mood was somber.
These precious souls are warriors and the battles they have endured have been brutal.
We carefully dropped the delicate vessels into the water.
Tears steamed down many faces as we sang a verse of a cherished hymn.
We sat in reflective silence.
As we began our trek back to the dock, we noticed several high schoolers who were taking prom photos at the lake’s edge.
They noticed us, too.
One young man yelled out, “PARTY BARGE!”
The entire atmosphere shifted.
Tears turned to laughter.
I blurted out, “If only they knew!”
Then, I caught myself and declared, “We’re BECOMING a party barge!”
Surely, He is turning our mourning into dancing!
He is trading our ashes for beauty!
“Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.” Psalm 126:5
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
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