So What Does A "Broken Into Beautiful" Retreat Look Like?

When the Lord laid on my heart that He wanted me to expand the ministry started here, He whispered the idea of hosting retreats for bereaved moms.

It was a big step because, to be honest, putting something in ink on my calendar months in advance is still daunting to me.

But I could see how He had begun to make a way before it was a thought in my head and I couldn't deny my heart was more than a little excited to entertain the idea of spending uninterrupted time with other bereaved moms in an intimate, cozy, safe environment where we could share our stories, our children, our hearts, hopes and hurts.

So I approached my dad who, years before, had purchased an aunt's large. lovely home less than a mile from his own and asked if he would be OK with my inviting moms to spend a weekend there four times a year. He was not only willing, he was enthusiastic and committed to doing whatever I needed to make it a reality!

Then I spread out a yearly calendar, and after putting all the important family dates (birthdays, holidays, vacations, etc.) on it, I found four weekends that would work.

I decided that unlike other weekend retreats, we would gather from Thursday to Sunday instead of beginning on a Friday. It gives us two full days of time to learn, get to know one another and just have the flexibility of fitting in the necessary without rushing to the next thing. I know it makes it hard for some folks who work to get that extra day off but from the feedback I've received from attendees, it's worth it.

So what does a weekend on the dirt roads of Bascom, Florida in the company of other bereaved moms look like?

We spend Thursday afternoon piling in, unloading and sharing the first timid bits of who we are, our children's names and placing their photos on the buffet where they will join us for every meal. That night, after supper, we gather in the living room and share our stories in depth. Some can share a lot, some can only eke out the barest details, but it's a start.

Friday morning we wake in our own time (aiming for breakfast around 8:00), eat and then return to the living room for our first session on "Prayer". It takes as long as it takes. Everyone who wants to, asks questions, adds comments and I always learn as much as I teach. We break for free time that can include crafts, puzzles, naps, sitting on one of the many porches or just chatting with other moms. Then lunch.

Another session follows our meal.

The afternoon is free and usually includes a walk down the dirt road to my dad's house where the moms get to meet him and we all get to stretch our legs.

Evening after supper we have a campfire and trade stories in the dark-an invitation to intimacy and vulnerability.

By now we are friends.

Saturday is Friday's schedule on repeat except after supper we have a candle lighting and special time of remembering our children. Each mom carries the light and life of every child represented back with her. It's such a sweet, sweet blessing.

Sunday morning we say our good-bye's and go our separate ways but our hearts are woven together forever.

I've seen physical, mental and spiritual healing at every retreat.  

Some moms have said they haven't slept this well since their child went to Heaven.

One mom told me she never made the connection between her faith and grief until this weekend.

Every mom has come away strengthened for the lifelong journey ahead of her and better equipped to share the light, love and life of Christ as a broken but beautiful vessel for the Lord.