Casting A Shadow

“How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!  People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.”  Psalm 36:7

The shadow of death has been a distant companion over the past several months.  The shadow became closer as I have stepped into past relationships to walk with them in the journey of sorrow and grief. The darkness entered my heart through the deaths of those I have known throughout different chapters of my life.  Death always triggers memories of my own grief, and I remember those I hold close to my heart.  The shadow of death came through the death of a high school friend, a youth that was in my youth program, a neighbor, a work camp and youth leader, school connections, and church family and friends.

Then Mary died.  Her shadow contained a deep loss and sadness with her death, but I also saw a different shadow with Mary.  I felt and witnessed the shadow of love and holy presence. Mary cast a shadow of love wherever she went.  You were always within her shadow once she loved you.  You were always loved by Mary; she never let you go no matter your physical distance.  You became part of her circle of family.  Her shadow was one that enveloped you in love and acceptance.  It was a shadow from which you did not want to escape.  Mary just pulled you closer and you never said “no” to Mary.  She lived the words of Proverbs 31:28 – “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”

Mary made you feel at home in her presence.  When my friend, and also the officiating pastor, stood in the pulpit to share his message at her celebration of life, Russ said, “It is good to be home.” It was here he met Mary and her family, and he established his home for several years among this church family.  Mary and Carl became family. It was in this same church I met them and was first loved by them.  The feeling of being home is one of peace, contentment, and total acceptance.  It felt like home as I worshiped through Mary’s celebration of life.  Her children praised her and shared her humor and rules for life.

Mary loved Christmas. Let me say that again, MARY LOVED CHRISTMAS!!  And she loved to “Deck the Halls.”  You could never have too many Christmas trees according to Mary.  Her service concluded with the singing of “Deck The Halls.”  It was sung with joy, smiles and celebration.  It was sung to the glory of God and in remembrance of Mary who truly decked the halls of her home and the church for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

Mary loved Jesus.  The church was full for her service, and her favorite hymns of faith were sung to the glory of God.  Mary cast a shadow of servanthood to the church, her family, her community, and most importantly to the glory of God.  Her shadow represented all that she touched with God’s love.  Wherever that shadow of love was cast, Mary was there to love and serve.

As I have reflected on Mary’s life, I am grateful God put Mary and her husband, Carl on my path.  Their love and commitment to one another was revealed in how Carl cared for Mary until the end.  Carl became Mary’s shadow of protection.  He sheltered her in the shadow of his wings, always caring for her and taking her with him even to meetings at the church.  Mary will always hold a special place in my heart.  She always made me feel loved.

It is in the shadow of God’s wings that the Psalmist states we find refuge.  The shadow of God protects us and also covers us with His love and grace.  To create a shadow, light is needed.  Jesus is the light of the world.  Jesus shines his light over the darkness of our lives.  The darkness of grief and sorrow, the darkness of change and loss, the darkness of anxiety and fear, the darkness of depression and loneliness.

Sometimes all we see is the darkness with no hope or way forward.  It is remembering that in these low times of life, God has protected us under his wings.  We need to step forward and allow the light of Jesus to cast a shadow of hope and love.  It is walking into life knowing the shadow is not of gloom and despair but of God’s love and grace protecting us.

The shadow of Mary’s love will remain in the hearts of all who loved her.  Mary challenges each one of us, to cast a shadow of love – God’s love – onto all those we encounter.  Mary reminds us even in disease, illness, pain and heartache, we are under the wings and protection of a loving God. 

Take refuge in the shadow of God’s wings.  Rest in His love.

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If you or someone you know is going through grief, please purchase my book – Living In The Different.  It can be found on Amazon or my website.