October 2023
There are special days set aside for remembering our loved ones, some saints, some souls, and some we did not even know, such as victims of wars and violence.
This year we reflect on our friend Nancy Jordan and celebrate the season of remembering. |
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In our South Texas area, we see signs of celebration of loved ones, Dia de los Muertos, and fresh flowers in cemeteries. A most common practice is creating Las Ofrendas to honor deceased family members. This year, the City of San Antonio is sponsoring a 3-day Day of the Dead Celebration, complete with city-wide events and a River Parade.
On a much smaller scale, Bill and I observe the memory of family loved ones, especially those who have died during the past year. This year we honor our friend, Nancy Jordan, whose memorial service is today. The saying, “Not all angels have wings” fits Nancy perfectly. Nancy is one who brought us deep respect and an uplifting spirit. She is one who made me feel I always knew where I stood with her. People knew they were her friend, without her ever saying so. Her Christmas and hostess gifts were simple but loving.
All Saints Day (November 1) and All Souls Day, (November 2) are celebrated in many different traditions all over the world. For me, these days are to remember and celebrate the beautiful memories of my loved ones; and to forgive, bless, and let go of the harmful memories. I count the ways my loved ones have touched my life.
The Fra Angelico picture above is a fascinating one: classic, beautiful, but so unlike the saints I knew. No halos, regal robes, nor scepter-bearing. My angels wore no wings and my saints bore no nimbus. Their radiance reflected their love, kindness, and internal joy. These are the ones I celebrate this remembrance season.
--by Jan
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“Without you we are less than we were…. You made us more than we could be without you.” In a recent book, LeRoy Lawson addresses those words to his son who died.
Those words ring true for all whom we have lost and all whom we remember in this season of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days. October 28 is the memorial service for Nancy Jordan, our friend and fellow church-member for more than a decade. Her wit, insight, and determination were truly gifts that shaped my life.
It is true: you and I are gifts to each other. And to each person we encounter day by day. Give thanks in this season for those you have known and loved, but also for those whose names you never learned, but whose smile lightened your day, or whose words, in a classroom or a workplace long ago, you have never forgotten.
In this season of remembrance, let these words by Rabbi Chaim Stern dwell in your soul:
'Tis a fearful thing
to love what death can touch.
A fearful thing
to love, to hope, to dream, to be –
to be,
And oh, to lose.
A thing for fools, this,
And a holy thing, a holy thing
to love.
For your life has lived in me,
your laugh once lifted me,
your word was gift to me.
. . .
--by Bill
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A Song of Comfort, one that Nancy had requested for her Memorial Service today |
Update on Evelyn
A few issues back, we asked for your help to raise funds for needed eye surgery for Evelyn, the 13-year-old we sponsor in Guatemala. Thanks to your generosity, we more than met our goal!
We recently received a new letter from Evelyn. The funds sent allowed her family to pay for additional testing, which showed that less-invasive treatment may be possible. There will be additional testing later this fall, when a final decision on treatment will be made.
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Copyright (c) 2023 Soul Windows Ministries
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Sincerely,
Bill Howden and Jan Davis
Soul Windows Ministries
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