Walk to Remember: Honoring Pregnancy & Infant Loss Families

Finding Strength in Shared Sorrow: recognizing Pregnancy and Infant loss Awareness Month

Rev. Candace McKibben

Last month I attended a Cooperative Baptist Fellowship retreat held at the “Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center” in Venice, florida. The theme for the retreat was community, and our goal was to get to know each other better. We decided that to do so, we would have to be vulnerable and trusting, and the group opened to each other in faith.

One woman courageously shared about the loss of her daughter 43 years ago, on the day after her daughter was born, and how she and her young husband survived this unspeakable grief. This opened the door for another woman to share about a miscarriage that she knew was a common story for many women but was still deeply personal and tough for her to carry, though she now had two healthy little boys to love and care for.

It was a gift to those of us present to better understand the profound sorrow of these life altering events and the ways in which the support of others, the resolve of the human spirit, the healing power of the divine, and life itself, can sustain us.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

Since 1988, at the urging of couples who have known pregnancy and infant loss, we as a nation have recognized October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and since 2006 we have observed Oct.15 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

In our own community, the Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition, founded in 1992, is planning the annual shared meal and remembrance walk on Oct.9, the first day of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Week, which was first established in Britain as “Baby Loss Week” in 2002, and adopted by our country and others.

Pregnancy and infant loss is a sadness that is shared by couples around the world, and one of the ways in which it is honored is by “The Global Wave of light.” Inspired by the movement in the US to remember babies lost, the United Kingdom started the memorial candle-lighting event on Oct.15, 2002, at the end of Baby Loss week.

People are encouraged to personally light a candle at 7 p.m. local time and allow it to burn for at least one hour in memory of all the babies world-wide lost in pregnancy, childbirth or infancy. Lit to honor sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, grandchildren and others who died too soon, the continuous wave of light from the memory candles encircles the globe with a loving embrace. You may also find online opportunities to light a virtual candle as part of the “Global Wave of Light.”

Walk to Remember at Saint PaulS

In the Tallahassee area, “Walk to Remember” is an annual event that has been faithfully planned by our a

Embracing Non-Violence and Compassion: Reflections for October 4th

October 4th offers a powerful invitation to cultivate our better selves, inspired by figures who championed peace and love.This date marks the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi and is a time to reflect on the enduring power of non-violence, a concept eloquently stated by Mahatma Gandhi: “Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man.” Today, we are challenged to examine how we can diminish hatred within ourselves and foster love and compassion in a world often marked by conflict.

the Legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi

Saint Francis of Assisi, who died on October 4th, remains a potent symbol of peace and reverence for all creation. His life exemplified the teachings of Jesus – to love one another, even enemies, and to actively work towards peace. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-francis-of-assisi/ Francis’s deep connection with nature and his commitment to a life of simplicity and service continue to inspire individuals and communities worldwide. His example reminds us that true strength lies not in power or dominance,but in humility and compassion.

Building Community Through Vulnerability and Trust

The principles of non-violence and love are foundational to building strong, resilient communities. As Rev. Candace McKibben notes, creating a thriving community, like the retreat center in Venice she references, requires vulnerability, trust, and openness. These qualities are essential not only within close-knit groups but also in broader society. Extending invitations with genuine warmth and actively nurturing non-violence are concrete steps we can all take.

A Call to Love: Echoes of Coach Norvell’s Message

The call to love resonates powerfully beyond religious and philosophical traditions. Rev. McKibben highlights the recent words of Florida State University’s (FSU) Coach Mike Norvell, who, while reflecting on the courageous battle of student-athlete Ethan Pritchard, passionately stated, “we are called on this earth to love one another.” https://floridastate.rivals.com/news/mike-norvell-shares-update-on-ethan-pritchard-s-health This sentiment underscores the worldwide need for empathy and connection, particularly during times of hardship and adversity. Pritchard’s fight, and the support surrounding him, exemplifies the power of community and love in action.

Cultivating Non-Violence in a Violent World: Practical Steps

While the concept of non-violence can seem abstract, it translates into tangible actions in our daily lives. Here are a few ways to cultivate non-violence:

* practice Active Listening: Truly hear and understand others, even when you disagree with them.
* Embrace Empathy: Try to see the world from another person’s outlook.
* Choose Kind Words: Words have power; use them to uplift and encourage.
* resolve conflicts Peacefully: Seek constructive solutions rather than resorting to aggression.
* Challenge Prejudice and Discrimination: Speak out against injustice and promote equality.
* Practice Self-Compassion: Extend the same kindness to yourself that you would offer to others.

Key Takeaways

* October 4th is the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, a day dedicated to peace and non-violence.
* Gandhi’s assertion that non-violence is the greatest force available to humanity remains profoundly relevant.
* Building strong communities requires vulnerability, trust, and a commitment to loving one another.
* The call to love transcends boundaries and is echoed in diverse voices, including that of FSU Coach Mike Norvell.
* Cultivating non-violence is an active process that requires conscious effort and a commitment to empathy and compassion.

As we move forward, let us embrace the challenge of embodying these principles in our interactions, our communities, and our world. By choosing love over hatred, compassion over indifference, and peace over conflict, we can contribute to a more just and harmonious future for all.

The Rev. Candace McKibben is an ordained minister and pastor of Tallahassee Fellowship.