Grief strikes each of us at some point and can have a ripple effect within a community. During these tender times we often feel the nudge to offer comfort to a friend in need, which can be done in a variety of ways.
Since music is often a balm to our souls, Bible Quilting a page on a worship song or beloved hymn can be calming.
In my daily Bible reading plan for this year I'm currently in the book of Jeremiah, who is commonly referred to as the "weeping prophet" because of the grief he bears for the people of Judah.
His prophecies carry warnings of much destruction yet also speak of restoration and hope, reminding the people of the goodness of God.
"I will turn their mourning into joy, give them consolation, and bring happiness out of grief." Jeremiah 31:13
The book of Psalms also offers many passages of comfort and encouragement. I used several verses from Psalms on a "Comfort" BQ page I did several years ago on the cross template, one of the original templates created in our early BQJ days.
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18
I've shared this Comfort page several times with friends and often use it as a reference for verses when I'm sending condolence cards.
Sometimes I'll make a color copy or photo of BQ pages to share with a friend during a difficult time. Recently I framed my Comfort page for a local friend after a loss, adding some extra stickers and bling as I personalized it especially for her.
As I continued to pray over her and her family, I encountered this "Open Heart to Healing" printable in the Keys of the Kingdom Etsy shop. I printed it out on clear full page Avery label sheets to make stickers.
I placed the large figure on one side of the page then arrayed the text on top of a heart medley.
Next I wrote a few more scriptures and added some additional hearts, washi tape, and similarly colored stitch lines. I think I'll make a photocopy of the page to share with my friend. I know the process of creating it helped me, so hopefully it will bless her as well. 💜
Blessing Rings can also be an extension of support while also offering a practical purpose.
Cards of encouragement or condolences can be hole-punched and slid onto the ring as a way to collect and contain these meaningful sentiments.
Occasionally I'll make a batch of these to have available to gift to a friend. I've got a small batch in my in-home shop. Contact me if you're interested.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians !:3-4
If you have a friend or family member facing a new diagnosis or is undergoing treatment, check out this post, Pray it Forward for more ideas on how to share your BQ pages as a gesture of encouragement.
A couple local BQ friends helped me gather up some encouraging scriptures on grief and comfort which I formatted into a flip card set. May these be a helpful resource to you or a friend in time of need. I plan on using my set to help select verses to write on sympathy cards. They could also be decorated to offer to a friend as supportive gesture.