Holding Space
By Sheryl Shernault, CLP, Grace Covenant Presbyterian, Orlando
Here I am… Here we are…
In a church, me behind a table you in a pew trying to hold it together.
I look out I see mothers, sisters, children, grandparents, fathers, aunts, uncles, law enforcement officers, and friends all with one thing in common, they have lost someone to homicide. We call them Bereaved Survivors of Homicide
The news crew is in the back
It is an honor to be here, to be in front of you but what words are there to say that will bring hope and healing.
I have none.
You grab a Kleenex as the service starts,
I feel my body tense – I stand
I read scripture “I look to the hills, where does my help come from…”
I light the candles and hear myself say
“Come”
Jesus invites you to come
To the young and the old – he says Come!
To the well-off and the cast-off – he says Come!
To those grieving and those filled with joy – he says Come!
To those tired, worn, and burnt out – he says Come!
Jesus invites all of us: Come!
Lord Jesus, let this time today here in this place find us leaning and resting in you.
Amen
I sit…
Was it hopeful, was it healing to you?
I know it is truth.
It was a beautiful time together, ending with a butterfly release and the tying of ribbons. Thanks to the many people who participated - the parking lot attendants, the greeters, the speakers, the singers, and the Survivors.
Bereaved Survivors of Homicide is a peer-driven, professionally facilitated support group for friends and family members who have had a loved one taken by murder. More information can be found at bshcentralflorida.org
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church hosts a support group for Bereaved Survivors of Homicide. This group is led by BSH Pam Bailey MA, LMHC, NCC. If you know someone who has been affected by homicide have them reach out to bailey@astablelife.com or the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Victim Advocate Squad.
In a church, me behind a table you in a pew trying to hold it together.
I look out I see mothers, sisters, children, grandparents, fathers, aunts, uncles, law enforcement officers, and friends all with one thing in common, they have lost someone to homicide. We call them Bereaved Survivors of Homicide
The news crew is in the back
It is an honor to be here, to be in front of you but what words are there to say that will bring hope and healing.
I have none.
You grab a Kleenex as the service starts,
I feel my body tense – I stand
I read scripture “I look to the hills, where does my help come from…”
I light the candles and hear myself say
“Come”
Jesus invites you to come
To the young and the old – he says Come!
To the well-off and the cast-off – he says Come!
To those grieving and those filled with joy – he says Come!
To those tired, worn, and burnt out – he says Come!
Jesus invites all of us: Come!
Lord Jesus, let this time today here in this place find us leaning and resting in you.
Amen
I sit…
Was it hopeful, was it healing to you?
I know it is truth.
It was a beautiful time together, ending with a butterfly release and the tying of ribbons. Thanks to the many people who participated - the parking lot attendants, the greeters, the speakers, the singers, and the Survivors.
Bereaved Survivors of Homicide is a peer-driven, professionally facilitated support group for friends and family members who have had a loved one taken by murder. More information can be found at bshcentralflorida.org
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church hosts a support group for Bereaved Survivors of Homicide. This group is led by BSH Pam Bailey MA, LMHC, NCC. If you know someone who has been affected by homicide have them reach out to bailey@astablelife.com or the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Victim Advocate Squad.