Heard on Sunday...

This past Sunday, Reverend Cathey Jo Tomilenko led a touching annual remembrance service, inviting us to honor those who have made their transition, while leaning deeply into comfort, celebration, and gratitude. Acknowledging that grief visits everyone who loves, Rev. Cathey Jo reminded us that death is simply a transition of the physical body. The body is the outer clothing for an eternal soul that has always been, is now, and always will be safe in Divine Mind.

Through heartfelt stories of family, community remembrance angels, and uplifting reflection, the service centered on how we carry our loved ones forward in our hearts. While our human nature longs for their physical presence, spiritual understanding assures us that their love never leaves us. We are never separate because we all dwell within Divine Love.

The Takeaway:

Rev. Cathey Jo reflected on Linda Ellis's poem, The Dash, reminding us that what matters is not the dates of birth and transition etched into a headstone, but the dash in between—how we choose to spend our lives. Every day is an opportunity to express Christ consciousness and weave kindness, joy, and peace into the lives of others.

The greatest tribute we can offer those who have transitioned is not lingering in sorrow, but living our own lives joyfully and purposefully. As the visible hands and feet of God, we honor their legacy by continuing to unfold the divine faculties within ourselves—choosing peace over chaos, releasing guilt, and letting unconditional love guide our journey.

Practical Unity Tools:
1. Reframe grief as love: Grief is not a sign of weakness or spiritual lack; it is natural evidence of a heart that has given and received deep love. Because healing has no rigid timeline, allow feelings to rise without judgment when memories surface. Pause; honor the emotion and surround that memory with a blessing.

2. Stop "shoulding" on yourself: Release the habit of replaying the past with guilt or self-blame. Dwelling on what you "should have" done or how others "should have" behaved discredits the Christ presence in both you and your loved ones. Trust that everyone did their best, and release the past into Divine Order.

3. Make the direct connection today: Don’t wait to express your appreciation. Pick up the phone and call a friend or family member to hear their voice, or share a cup of coffee together. Pour love and active connection into your daily relationships while you are walking this earthly path together.

Missed the Sunday Service? Watch the service on the Inspiration Page.