Monthly Archives: December 2016
On this holy night, graced by the first night of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve, I want to offer up a prayer to Heaven of peace for all people. Regardless of your spiritual journey, may God’s loving light awaken in you your soul’s true purpose and guide you to act in accordance with your higher self. I believe every individual possesses their own unique spark of divine light and together we can can light a pathway to a more peaceful world. Though our spiritual traditions and beliefs may differ, I believe every path ultimately leads back to the same loving source. The poem, Your Moment, from our book, The Restorative Power of Spirit: Poems of Faith and Hope, is a statement about the light of God that can be found within every heart. I pray that people will find unity in faith and come together in prayer this holiday season.
Your Moment
Wishing you a blessed holiday!
Sheryl Brooks
My mother-in-law’s dog, Ziggy, came into our lives shortly before my father-in-law went into the hospital. My mother-in-law had taken our son, Alex, who was 6 at the time, to the local Humane Society to donate some old bedding to be used in the kennels. They walked through the aisles of cats and dogs. Normally, they would just walk through and leave, but this time it was different. It was love at first sight. My son spotted Ziggy, an older female cocker spaniel and basset hound mix, and wouldn’t leave her side. One of the volunteers said she needed to be taken outside, so they accompanied her outside and it was as if Alex and Ziggy had always known each other. My in-laws have always been animal people, so when my mother-in-law called my father-in-law, he gave her the green light to bring Ziggy home. I do believe God brought Ziggy to us because within a few months after moving in with my in-laws, my father-in-law went into the hospital where he would remain until he died in December of that year. Ziggy was the loving presence my mother-in-law needed and a comfort to us all. Ziggy helped my son overcome his fear of dogs and became his devoted friend. The bond that existed between my son and Ziggy was one of pure magic.
The photo above was taken a few months before we had to say our goodbyes to Ziggy. She was with our family for 6 years. An older dog when my mother-in- law adopted her, we estimate she was about 18 years old when she had to be put to sleep. The night she passed, I was in a twilight state and as I started to drift off I suddenly could feel her soft ears and face in my hand. While still drifting I suddenly heard children calling her name. I like to believe that she had come to see me and would continue to be touching children’s lives even in Heaven.
Fast forward to almost a year later, and Ziggy has continued to hold a special place in our hearts and memories. She also finds ways of making her gentle presence known. I was at a park not too long ago and this dog came up to me. I started petting her and talking with her owner. To my great surprise, her owner said her name was Ziggy. When she rubbed her head against me, her owner said she would only do that for a small percentage of people. I felt love pour from her and tears started to well up in my eyes because I knew that this was our Ziggy letting me know that she was at peace and would always be with us.
If you have lost a beloved pet, know that their spirit will always be with you. You might even start to notice signs that they are close by. The love we share with our animals is a blessing and this bond will continue from this world to the next.
May the loving presence of Spirit be with you always.
Blessings,
Sheryl Brooks
Redemption from Fear
Life is a balancing act and sometimes the stress of trying to manage everyday responsibilities can become too much. If you feel yourself slipping into that negative space, know that you are not alone. If left unchecked, feelings of sadness or fear can begin to weigh heavily upon your soul- creating a darkness that soon envelops you and keeps you captive in its stubborn embrace. I have been there and understand the toll feelings of depression and anxiety can have on your mind, body, and spirit. There is no shame in seeking professional help. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is allow someone to see you at your weakest. You don’t have to face those moments of darkness alone. In addition to getting the support of a professional, time spent in prayer can also provide comfort. I have felt the presence of God and his angels in my life in some of my darkest moments. Those experiences of love and light inspired both my husband and I to publish our book, The Restorative Power of Spirit: Poems of Faith and Hope. Our hope is that our book will be a source of comfort to those in need of a loving positive message. No one should feel alone or ashamed because they are suffering emotionally, mentally, or spiritually and are in need of help. May God’s angels light a pathway out of despair, so that you can finally begin to see the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
With angels you are never alone
Blessings,
Sheryl Brooks