Heaven Sent
by Laurie Kolp
The first time I ever knew
A cardinal was appearing to me
As a symbol of God’s hope and love
Came after the suicide of my friend Mary.
I had a conversation with her sister, Jeni
Who revealed to me the miracle of
The red bird showing up at times of grief
In their family- giving love.
Not long after, I was having a difficult day
While at my church in a meeting,
The very same place I had met Mary.
I prayed and cried to God, so loving
In hopes of a sign or clue;
A message from Mary, who I missed so.
The pain was deep and strong,
Preventing me from letting go.
After I said my prayer to God,
Great peace and comfort did I feel.
I left the meeting in better spirits
Feeling maybe I was on the heal.
As I left the parking lot, a red cardinal I did see;
Skipping along in front of my car,
Beckoning and calling to me.
I could not believe my very eyes
And a warm feeling I got right then.
For I knew at that very moment
The gorgeous bird was Mary; Heaven sent.
So now when I am feeling low or sad
From the loss of my dear friend,
I pray to God to help me through
And a red cardinal He does send.
ARCHIVES.....FIRST DRAFTS.....
5 comments:
Hi Lori,
I just had to comment on your note. Just yesterday I was thinking I should really blog about my "thing" with cardinals. Many years ago a dear friend and SS teacher shared with us the lonliness she had felt when she first moved from sunny CA to frozen IL. As she was praying, pouring out her sadness to God, a beautiful cardinal appeared right outside her window. As she looked at him and he sat watching her, she knew he was a messenger of God's love to her, assuring her that God was with her, loved her and would help her through this trying time.
I heard her story more than 25 years ago and still today whenever I see a cardinal, my heart hears God saying to me, "Gail, I love you." To which I respond, "I love you, too." and my heart is warmed and reassured of God's loving mercy toward me.
Now when I see a cardinal, I stop what I'm doing and say a prayer of thanks. I have written a lot about the cardinal in my other blog, www.conversationswithacardinal.blogspot.com.
Laurie, Mom died on Christmas Eve in '86. On that day a cardinal came and took up residence in our apple tree. And stayed until Feb. 5. Every year, the cardinal returned on Christmas Eve and stayed until early February. For twenty years a cardinal came and sat in that tree. Four days short of the 20th Anniversary of her passing, Dad died. When Christmas Eve came that year, a second Cardinal joined the first. When they left in February, that was the last we saw of them. They never returned. BTW, February 5th was Mom's birthday. I believe like you that God had sent both of those glorious birds as a sign. They brought a fractured family back together. Thanks for that piece to remind me what a wonder He is.
Wow- Walt, that is an amazing story! Thanks so much for sharing it.
Loved your story Walt.
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