Years ago, I had made plans for dinner with my good friend Sarah. After work, I made a quick stop to pick up a few groceries. As I went into the store, my inner voice whispered, “Buy Sarah’s mother a red rose.”
I thought, “Huh – now why should I do that?” I shook my head wondering what that was about as I continued on my grocery mission.
I went to aisle 9 to get bread, and was headed to aisle 11, when a voice (some call it the still small voice) said again, “Sandra…get Sarah’s mother a red rose.”
So I headed to the floral section of the store and added 1 long stem red rose to my cart. I was mystified, but followed the guidance anyway.
After stopping at home to put things away, I headed to the restaurant to meet Sarah. When our meal was over, I picked up the rose and said, “I don’t know what this is about, but I was guided to get this rose for your Mother.”
She looked perplexed and thanked me. Then we left for respective homes.
The next day I received a call from Sarah. She said, “Oh Sandy, you’re not going to believe this!! My Mother broke into tears when I gave her the rose. I asked her ‘Mom? What’s the matter?’ She answered, ‘I’ve been feeling depressed – very depressed. So depressed, in fact, that I told God I wanted to end my life. I said, ‘God, If you want me to stay here – then send me a sign…a sign like a red rose….’”
Sarah’s Mother went on to live another 20 years. We never know the impact of our actions. We just never know…
A friend of mine recently told me that she believes the suicide rate is so high in our country because so many people have lost their connection to God (Spirit, Our Higher Self, Allah, or whatever title we give to this connection). It is this very connection we are searching for.
Her comment prompted me to recall the story of Sarah’s Mother and the Rose…and how the mysterious action I took caused her to reconnect her link to God (her name for this connection as she was Catholic).
As a member of this new “Community of the Heart” that Standing Tall Igniting Hope is building – change starts with our personal connection to our Higher Power – and our willingness to be used by this Power to bless and uplift others – in even the smallest ways.
About Sandra Diamond
Sandra Diamond is the Senior Writer for Standing Tall Igniting Hope. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois and has had her own private practice for well over the past decade. Sandra is also a licensed and ordained Unity minister.
