I can't seem to come up with the right words for this post - this Shadow Flower story. It has weighed heavy on my mind since this piece was commissioned. How do you tell, in few words, the story of a young man's all too brief life? A life he chose to end. And the grief that action left behind. And yet, his mama has turned her grief into action to help others. I shake my head now even as I fumble for words.
Michael Jalyn (known as Jalyn to family and friends) was only 19. He loved sports and his life was full. But a crucial decision turned his life upside down and in the end he could only see one way out. Imagine for yourself, getting that phone call. Carrying that grief with you all your life. His mom, Emma DonnAnn, walked that dark path. And out of this darkness, grew a desire to help others who might make the same choice. Or who have been on the receiving end of one of those phone calls.
And so she founded SwingAwayJ Ministries which is dedicated to raising awareness of suicide, provide a listening ear to those in pain, and sharing the message of Jesus' love. You can read about her journey here.
A sunflower is significant to DonnAnn because it represents "God's promise to us that he helps those who can't help themselves " . Please take a moment, absorb the artwork, and consider a way you might be able to reach out to someone that is hurting today.
