You ever feel like being a woman of faith in today’s world is like walking through a field of landmines—in heels? It’s like one wrong step, and BOOM—somebody’s got an opinion about how you should be living, dressing, speaking, or even thinking. We live in a culture where femininity is often misunderstood and where faith is sometimes dismissed as old-fashioned. But here’s the thing: faith and femininity ain’t contradictions—they’re a divine collision.

Faith That Walks, Not Just Talks

Modern culture has convinced us that to be strong, we gotta be loud. That submission means weakness. That biblical womanhood is outdated. But when I look at the Word, I see women who were both faithful and fearless—women like Esther, who walked into a king’s throne room knowing she could die, but still said, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). Or Mary, who carried the Savior of the world in her womb despite knowing she’d be talked about and misunderstood.

Faith isn’t just about belief—it’s about movement. It’s about saying, “Lord, I trust You enough to walk in obedience, even when it’s uncomfortable.” And let’s be real—living for Jesus in 2025 is uncomfortable. When purity is mocked, marriage is devalued, and submission is seen as a dirty word, it takes faith to live counter-culturally. But sis, you were made for this.

Femininity is Not Weakness

Somewhere along the way, the world started equating femininity with fragility. Like softness and grace are only for the weak. But have you ever seen a woman pray her children through a crisis? Have you ever watched a mother or wife hold a household together in the midst of chaos? That ain’t weak. That’s power.

Femininity, when rooted in Christ, is strength clothed in gentleness. It’s knowing that submission to God doesn’t strip us of power but positions us for purpose. It’s the Proverbs 31 woman who runs businesses, makes investments, and still comes home and creates a space of peace and love. It’s not one or the other—it’s both.

Living This Out Daily

So how do we walk this thing out in real life? How do we balance faith, femininity, and the pressures of modern womanhood?

1. Start with the Word, Not the World. Social media will have you thinking that being a “boss” means abandoning biblical values. But the Bible reminds us that our worth is found in Christ, not clout.
2. Embrace Your Design. God didn’t make a mistake when He created you as a woman. Your emotions, your intuition, your nurturing spirit—those are strengths, not weaknesses. Walk in them boldly.
3. Set Boundaries Without Apology. Whether it’s relationships, career, or social media, guard what influences you. You don’t have to engage in every debate, entertain every DM, or say yes to every opportunity that doesn’t align with your faith.
4. Find Your Tribe. A faithful woman walking alone is vulnerable. A faithful woman walking in community? Unstoppable. Get around some women who love Jesus, who will pray with you, correct you in love, and remind you of who you are when the world tries to make you forget.
5. Remember Who You Belong To. The world will try to define you, label you, and tell you how to be a woman. But the only identity that matters is the one God gave you. You are His daughter, His masterpiece, His beloved. Walk like it.

Faithful, Feminine, and Unapologetic

Walking in faith as a modern woman ain’t about choosing between being strong or being soft—it’s about choosing Jesus in a world that constantly pulls you away from Him. So let them call you outdated. Let them misunderstand your convictions. At the end of the day, we don’t live for the world’s approval—we live for the applause of Heaven.

And sis, that’s a standing ovation worth walking for.

Let’s talk about something real. Something that gets skipped over like that one auntie’s potato salad at the family cookout. Women love to talk about being pastors, but when we flip to Titus, the silence gets real loud. Now, before you throw your Bible at the screen, let’s actually sit with what the Word says.

What Does the Bible Say About Women Being Pastors?

First off, the Bible is clear about the structure of leadership in the church. In 1 Timothy 2:12, Paul says, “I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.” And before anybody starts talking about “that was just Paul’s opinion,” let’s not forget that Paul wasn’t just giving his two cents—he was writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16).

When we look at the qualifications for pastors (or elders) in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, the requirements include being “the husband of one wife.” Last time I checked, that’s a male-exclusive requirement.

Now, does this mean women don’t have a role in ministry? Absolutely not. We just need to make sure we’re playing the role that God actually assigned to us, not the one we assigned to ourselves.

Titus Ain’t to Be Ignored

You know what’s funny? Women will skip right over Titus 2 like it’s a traffic ticket in the mail. They’ll fight for pulpits but won’t fight for the very role the Bible outlines for them.

Titus 2:3-5 says:
“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.”

Let’s sit with that for a second.

The Bible tells women exactly what to do. Teach other women. Be examples. Train younger women to love their families well. Be self-controlled. Pure. Kind. Home-focused. But instead of embracing that, we got folks out here fighting for pulpits while ignoring the actual work that’s been assigned.

It’s like Jesus said in Luke 6:46, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”

You want to lead a church, but won’t lead your home. You want to be a preacher, but won’t be a mentor. You want to be in the pulpit, but won’t be in your prayer closet. And the crazy part? The very thing you’re running from is the very thing God calls beautiful.

How to Actually Live Out Titus 2

Okay, so we read it. But how do we actually walk this thing out? Here’s some real-life application:

1. Be an Example

• If you’re married, love your husband publicly and privately. Speak well of him. Serve him in a way that makes people say, “She’s different.”
• If you’re single, live in a way that models purity, wisdom, and faithfulness. Don’t let culture dictate how you move.

2. Teach Younger Women

• You don’t need a title to be a mentor. Find younger women in your church and pour into them. Show them what it means to walk with God.
• If you’re a mother, be intentional about raising your daughters in the Lord.
• If you’re a teacher, counselor, or just a big sister in the faith, use your influence to build up and encourage.

3. Get Your House in Order

• Home is your first ministry. Make it a place of peace, love, and godliness.
• Create an atmosphere where the presence of God is felt—not just on Sundays, but every day.
• Teach your children the Word. Live it out in front of them.

4. Speak with Wisdom

• Titus says to be “not slanderers.” That means no gossiping, no tearing down, no pettiness.
• Use your words to build up. When younger women come to you, give them biblical advice, not just your opinion.

5. Embrace Your Role with Joy

• Society tells us that being home-focused is oppression, but the Bible calls it wisdom.
• Loving your husband and children, creating a home that reflects Christ, and mentoring the next generation isn’t less than—it’s essential.

Final Word

Listen, sis. I know culture says you need a stage, a mic, and a title to be effective in the Kingdom. But Jesus says the greatest among us is the servant (Matthew 23:11). God’s design for women isn’t small, outdated, or oppressive. It’s powerful, purposeful, and necessary.

So before we fight for what He didn’t assign, let’s master what He did. And if we truly love Jesus, let’s actually do what He says.

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What are your thoughts? Drop a comment below—let’s talk about it!

In today’s world, many Christians face challenges when it comes to openly living out their faith. The fear of being judged, ridiculed, or rejected can cause us to shrink back from standing up for Jesus. But what does it really mean to be ashamed of Christ? How can we recognize if we’re falling into that trap? More importantly, how can we overcome it?

Let’s explore what the Bible says about being ashamed of Jesus and identify some common ways Christians today might show shame without even realizing it.

What Does the Bible Say About Being Ashamed of Christ?

Jesus spoke directly about the dangers of being ashamed of Him in the Gospels. In Mark 8:38, He said, “For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” These words carry weight. Jesus makes it clear that denying Him because of fear or embarrassment is something He takes seriously.

Paul echoes this warning in Romans 1:16, where he boldly declares, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” The Gospel is life-changing, and we should never be afraid to proclaim it.

5 Ways Modern Christians Show They Are Ashamed of Christ

You might wonder, “Am I really ashamed of Christ?” Sometimes the signs aren’t as obvious as we think. Here are five ways Christians today might hide their faith:

1. Staying Silent About Your Faith Have you ever felt a nudge to share the Gospel with someone but stayed quiet because you didn’t want to make things awkward? Or maybe you avoid mentioning church or Jesus in conversations with friends or coworkers. Silence, when God gives us opportunities to speak, can be a subtle way of showing shame.
2. Compromising Biblical Values In a world that often rejects biblical values, some Christians try to fit in by accepting ideas that contradict Scripture. This might happen with topics like relationships, marriage, or morality. Instead of standing firm, they conform to cultural norms, showing a reluctance to fully embrace Jesus’ teachings.
3. Avoiding Prayer or Worship in Public Do you ever hesitate to pray before a meal when you’re out in public? Or do you skip church because you’re worried about what others might think? These small acts of withholding your faith from public view reflect a fear of being judged for following Christ.
4. Neglecting Evangelism Evangelism doesn’t have to mean preaching on a street corner, but sharing your faith is part of being a disciple. When we constantly put off telling others about Jesus, or when we avoid discussing Him altogether, it shows we’re afraid of how people will react.
5. Seeking the World’s Approval We all want to be liked, but sometimes the desire for approval leads us to compromise our faith. Whether it’s chasing popularity, success, or fitting in, if we’re willing to hide our identity in Christ for the sake of human approval, it’s a sign we’re ashamed to be fully known as His follower.

How Can Christians Overcome the Fear of Being Ashamed?

Now that we know what it looks like to be ashamed of Christ, how can we overcome it? Here are some ways to boldly stand for your faith:

1. Trust in the Power of the Gospel
   Remember that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation. Your faith can change lives, including your own. When you understand the eternal impact of the Gospel, it becomes easier to share it confidently.
2. Stand Firm in Your Beliefs
   The Bible calls us to be “in the world but not of the world” (John 17:16). This means we can engage with culture while still holding fast to God’s truth. When faced with pressure to compromise, pray for courage to stand strong in your faith.
3. Pray for Boldness
   Like the early disciples in the book of Acts, ask God for the boldness to speak His Word without fear. Regular prayer will strengthen your heart and help you to stand firm in times of pressure.
4. Surround Yourself with a Faithful Community
   Get involved with other Christians who encourage and challenge you to live for Christ. Whether through a church, Bible study group, or Christian friends, surrounding yourself with people who are passionate about Jesus will help you be more confident in your faith.
5. Remember Jesus’ Promise
   In Matthew 10:32-33, Jesus says, “So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” Knowing that Jesus promises to honor those who honor Him should motivate us to stand strong and never be ashamed of Him.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Be Afraid to Shine Your Light

Being unashamed of Christ doesn’t mean you have to preach to every person you meet, but it does mean being ready to share the hope you have in Jesus, no matter the cost. The world might reject or misunderstand you, but Jesus promises to acknowledge you before His Father. Isn’t that worth everything?

Take time this week to reflect on where you might be holding back in your faith. Ask God for the courage to boldly live for Him, and don’t forget to seek support from your local church and godly friends. Remember, you’re never walking this journey alone.

When we hear the word “legacy,” we often think about material things—wealth, property, or heirlooms passed down through generations. But what if your greatest legacy isn’t something you leave to someone, but something you leave in them? A godly legacy is about the faith, love, and wisdom you impart to those around you—one that echoes in their hearts and shapes their lives long after you’re gone.

Legacy is More Than Things

The Bible teaches us that legacy is not about worldly riches, but about a spiritual inheritance. Proverbs 13:22 (ESV) says, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” The most valuable inheritance we can pass down is not money or possessions, but the legacy of faith.

A godly legacy is built through the lives we touch—by our actions, words, and most importantly, our example. It’s about passing down a love for God, a commitment to His Word, and the values that reflect His character. Unlike material things that fade, this spiritual legacy can impact generations.

My Personal Legacy Story

I have been blessed to come from a family of strong, faith-filled women. My grandmother and mother modeled what it means to live a life rooted in Christ. They didn’t have much in terms of wealth, but what they gave me was far more precious—the foundation of faith and the example of how to live that faith daily.

I saw my mother handle life’s challenges with unshakeable trust in God. Through her, I learned resilience, deep love, and standing firm in faith when things got hard. Her greatest gift to me was showing me how to honor God in everything. Now, I strive to pass that same legacy to my children.

Her love was (and still is) as natural as breathing, and her greatest legacy was teaching me to live for Christ and love others like He loves us. Now, I find myself doing the same for my children and the women in my community.

Building Legacy Through Everyday Actions

Legacy isn’t built in a single moment—it’s made day by day through small, intentional acts. You don’t have to have all the answers or be perfect to build a godly legacy. Simply be faithful in the little things and trust that God will use them to create something lasting and beautiful.

Here are a few simple ways you can start building your legacy today:

Lead by Example
Your life is the loudest sermon you’ll ever preach. Whether it’s showing kindness to strangers, being patient with your children, or choosing forgiveness over bitterness, your actions reflect Christ’s love. People are watching—even when you don’t realize it—and how you live can inspire others to seek God.

Pray with Your Family
One of the most powerful legacies you can leave is the habit of prayer. Take time to pray with your children or loved ones, not just in times of trouble, but as a regular part of your routine. These moments of connection with God will make a lasting impact on their hearts.

Teach God’s Word
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV) encourages us: “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children.” Make faith a natural part of your conversations. Share what God is teaching you and invite others to join in your journey.

Serve Others
Legacy is also built through serving. When we serve others, we demonstrate Christ’s love. Whether you mentor younger women, volunteer at church, or offer a listening ear to a friend in need, these acts of kindness will plant seeds that grow for generations to come.

Why Legacy Matters for African-American Christian Women

For African-American women, building a legacy is about more than personal success—it’s about creating a path for future generations to grow in their faith. In a world where we’re often underrepresented in Christian media and spaces, it’s vital that we actively create the representation we want to see.

Your legacy is not just for your children; it’s for every woman who looks at you and says, “If she can do it, so can I.” Breaking generational cycles, standing up for Christ in a world that tries to silence us, and creating spiritual abundance where there once was lack—this is the legacy we pass on. Even when you don’t realize it, your journey of faith is inspiring others.

Scriptures to Anchor Your Legacy

As we think about legacy, it’s essential to root ourselves in God’s Word. Here are two scriptures to inspire us as we build a legacy that honors Him:

• Proverbs 31:28 (ESV): “Her children rise up and call her blessed.” This verse speaks to the honor that comes when a mother—whether biological or spiritual—leaves a legacy of love and wisdom. The way you live today will echo in the voices of the next generation.
• Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): “And these words… shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…” Our legacy is built in the everyday moments. Make it a habit to talk about God’s goodness with those around you, whether at the dinner table or during a walk.

Start Building Your Legacy Today

Your legacy doesn’t start someday in the future—it starts right now. Whether you’re praying with your children, serving others, or leading by example in your community, every action you take is part of the story you’re writing for future generations.

I encourage you to take the first step today. Build a legacy that reflects your faith, love, and trust in God. And remember, what you do today will echo for generations to come.

Join the Conversation
How are you building a legacy of faith in your family or community? Share your thoughts in the comments here , or on the Faithful Femme Noir facebook page, where we can encourage each other in building legacies that truly matter.

Loss touches everyone’s life. Whether it’s the passing of a loved one, the end of a cherished dream, or the burden of unmet expectations, mourning is a universal experience. Naomi, a key figure in the Book of Ruth, felt this pain deeply. She not only lost her husband but also her two sons—her entire family—while in a foreign land. Her journey reflects the pathway many of us traverse when grief overwhelms us, yet it also reveals how God provides comfort and restoration. Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted,” remind us that God meets us in our sorrow, offering a comfort that surpasses our pain.

Naomi’s Story: A Journey Through Grief

Naomi’s life began to unravel when her family relocated to Moab to escape a famine in Israel. In this unfamiliar land, she faced a series of losses—first her husband, Elimelech, and then both of her sons (Ruth 1:3-5). In her grief, Naomi felt forsaken and embittered. Upon returning to Bethlehem, she told her community, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me” (Ruth 1:20, ESV). Her new name, Mara, meaning “bitter,” illustrated the depth of her sorrow. She felt as if her life had turned into a barren wasteland of loss.

Grief often feels like that, doesn’t it? I recall a similar feeling when I lost my grandfather, who had been my only true father figure. My biological father was absent, leaving a significant void, but God graciously provided my grandfather, a pastor. He was not only my spiritual mentor but also my hero. His presence grounded me, and his wisdom and love greatly influenced my early faith.

However, when I was 11, he passed away, and my world was turned upside down. Like Naomi, I felt as if the foundation of my life had crumbled. The loss was staggering, and I struggled to comprehend why God would take someone so vital away. I felt alone and abandoned, just as Naomi did when she returned to Bethlehem without her family.

The Promise of Comfort in Mourning: Matthew 5:4

In these profound moments of grief, Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:4 resonate deeply: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” This does not imply that we will be free from grief or loss, but rather that God promises to be with us during our mourning. Mourning is not an indication of weakness; it is an opportunity for God to draw near with His comfort, a solace that transcends our pain.

In Naomi’s life, this comfort began to manifest through her daughter-in-law, Ruth. Ruth’s unwavering loyalty (“Where you go, I will go” – Ruth 1:16) provided Naomi with companionship, hope, and eventually a glimpse of God’s redemptive plan. Ruth’s union with Boaz not only restored Naomi’s family line but also connected her to a much larger narrative—the lineage of King David and ultimately, Jesus Christ (Ruth 4:13-17). Although Naomi couldn’t see it at the time, God was intricately weaving a tapestry of grace and restoration behind the scenes.

Similarly, during my grief, I didn’t immediately recognize how God would bring comfort. Losing my grandfather felt like losing my only anchor in a turbulent childhood. Yet, over time, God placed people in my life who helped fill some of the void. He surrounded me with loving family members and church friends who provided support, and through His Word, He reminded me that He is “a father to the fatherless” (Psalm 68:5). Just as God comforted Naomi through Ruth, He comforted me through His presence and the individuals He brought into my life.

Lessons for Us: Trusting God’s Comfort

1. Mourning Is an Invitation for God’s Presence: Naomi’s grief was not overlooked by God, nor is ours. Matthew 5:4 reassures us that those who mourn are blessed because they will experience God’s comfort. In our darkest hour, God draws near, providing comfort and hope for what He’s orchestrating behind the scenes (Psalm 34:18).
2. God Comforts Us Through People: Just as Ruth stood by Naomi during her sorrow, God frequently provides comfort through those around us. After my grandfather’s passing, God introduced people into my life who became like family. He often uses others to demonstrate His love and grace, reminding us that we are never truly alone in our grief.
3. Hope Beyond Mourning: Naomi’s narrative teaches us that God’s plans exceed our understanding. Her transition from bitterness to joy occurred through God’s redemptive design, which she initially couldn’t grasp. Likewise, we can trust that God is working everything for our good, even amidst mourning (Romans 8:28). Our current sorrow is not the conclusion of the story—God has a greater purpose and hope for our future.

Naomi’s journey from bitterness to restoration serves as a poignant reminder that while mourning is unavoidable, it does not signify the end of our journey. Jesus assures us in Matthew 5:4 that those who mourn will find comfort, and God is faithful to deliver that comfort in unexpected ways. Whether through His Word, His presence, or the people He places in our lives, He remains close to the brokenhearted.

If you find yourself mourning today—whether due to the loss of a loved one, a fractured relationship, or unfulfilled dreams—know that God sees you. He promises to accompany you in your pain and to bring hope and restoration in His perfect timing.

Reflect on Naomi’s story and your own experiences of loss: How have you witnessed God’s work in your life during times of grief?

Consider Matthew 5:4: How can you embrace God’s promise of comfort today, trusting that He is near even when the pain feels overwhelming?

Grief can be isolating, but remember, God has designed us to navigate it together with others. Lean on your church family, godly friends, and loved ones as you seek comfort. Most importantly, remain open to the ways God is bringing His comfort and hope into your life, even amid sorrow.

To help you dive deeper into God’s Word, I’m offering a brand new freebie: a beautifully designed Scripture Study Guide! 🙌 Whether you’re navigating a season of mourning like Hannah or just wanting to build a stronger foundation in your faith, this 30 Day guide will help you stay rooted in biblical truth. 🌿

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Stay encouraged and keep seeking Him!

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Ah, Hannah. The poster child for “I didn’t get what I wanted, and it hurts.” We all have those moments—when life doesn’t look anything like we thought it would. You pray, you hope, you plan, and still…nothing. It’s like ordering something online, eagerly waiting for it to show up at your door, and when it finally arrives, it’s not what you expected. “Great, God, thank you for this wonderful, heartbreaking nothing.”

We’ve all been there. And so was Hannah.

Hannah’s story is one of those Biblical tear-jerkers (you can find it in 1 Samuel 1). She desperately wanted a child. It wasn’t just a casual “Oh, it’d be nice to be a mom someday,” kind of thing. No, this was a deep, gut-wrenching, pray-until-you-lose-your-voice kind of desire. She wanted it badly. And year after year, she watched other women cradle their babies while she got… nothing. Zero. Nada.

To make matters worse, her husband’s other wife (yes, polygamy—yikes—but let’s stay focused) loved to rub it in. Can you imagine the dinner conversations? “Oh, another one of my kids spilled their milk again. Hannah, wouldn’t you know exactly how that feels? Oh wait…”

So, Hannah did what anyone who’s at the end of their rope would do. She cried her eyes out before God. She sobbed so hard that the priest, Eli, thought she was drunk. Imagine your pastor seeing you in the prayer corner after church and whispering, “Sister, you okay? Or should we call you an Uber?” Awkward. ut here’s where things turn: God heard her. He comforted her in her mourning, even before her prayer was answered. And this brings us to Matthew 5:4.

In Matthew 5:4, Jesus drops a truth bomb that goes against everything we naturally think. He says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Wait—blessed? Really? Who feels blessed while mourning? It’s like saying, “Congratulations! Your heart is broken. Here’s your trophy!” It doesn’t make sense at first.

But look deeper. Jesus is pointing out that mourning has a purpose. It’s in those raw, vulnerable moments that God’s comfort meets us in a way that nothing else can. When we’re mourning over something we don’t have (like Hannah’s desire for a child or maybe your longing for a spouse, a career, or healing), we’re in the perfect position to receive His peace.

It’s like this: when everything’s fine and dandy, we might forget to depend on God. But when things go sideways, and we’re in the emotional trenches, that’s when we turn to Him. And guess what? He always shows up.

What’s awesome about Hannah’s story is that her mourning didn’t last forever. God answered her prayers by giving her a son—Samuel, no less, who became a pretty big deal in Israel. But before that happened, she found comfort in God, not just in getting what she wanted.

It’s a reminder that our worth, our peace, our identity aren’t dependent on what we have or don’t have. Whether or not your prayers get answered exactly how you want (because let’s be real, sometimes God’s answer is a solid no), God’s comfort is still there, ready and waiting.

So, what does this look like in your life? You might not be crying in a temple or having a priest tell you to sober up, but here are a few ways to mourn with hope, like Hannah:

• Cry it out. Seriously. Let the tears flow. Bottling it up only delays the healing. God can handle your raw, unfiltered emotions. He’s not afraid of your ugly cry.
• Pray it through. Like Hannah, take your grief, desires, and frustrations to God. Even if you don’t get what you want right away (or at all), praying gives you space to hand the hurt over to Him.
• Lean into God’s promises. Matthew 5:4 is a promise that comfort is coming. Maybe not in the way you expect, but it’s coming. Trust that God sees your pain and will meet you right where you are.
• Look for the blessing in the mourning. Sometimes, the greatest comfort comes in realizing God is with you even when things feel empty. That’s a powerful kind of blessed.

Hannah’s story shows us that mourning doesn’t mean the end—it’s often the beginning of something greater. God used her heartbreak to do something amazing in her life. And He can do the same for you.

So next time you feel like throwing yourself a pity party (we’ve all been there), remember that mourning has a purpose. Cry if you need to. Pray until you’re hoarse. And then, trust that the God of all comfort will meet you, bless you, and give you peace in ways you never expected.

And hey, you never know—God might just surprise you, like He did with Hannah. Keep praying, keep trusting, and most of all, keep your eyes open for the blessing that comes in the mourning.