I am so aware of flowers these days, even in the dark. Although I cannot see them, I can smell the perfume of my flowers flowing through open windows, chasing away the stale air of winter. It seems to me that we traditionally surround the grieving with beauty in the form of flowers because they are living, sweet-smelling symbols of the beauty which surrounds their departed in heaven. Flowers soothe all of our senses and touch out inner spirits with a touch of heaven on earth.
Dating as far back as 1580 B.C., these flowers have long-held a role in ancient mythology. White lilies symbolize chastity and virtue. Of course they are the symbol of the Virgin Mary’s purity and her role as Queen of the Angels. As the flowers most often associated with funerals, lilies still symbolize that the soul of the departed has received restored innocence after death. No wonder we fill churches and our homes with lilies for Easter, as we celebrate Christs’ victory over death.
If we cannot speak, flowers will speak for us. So, I offer this bouquet up for all those who grieve today in Oklahoma but also for all those who are grieving in obscurity, poverty, hidden from the notice of the world. Flowers tell the grieving that,
“In sorrow, we mourn those lost. In gratitude, we embrace those around us. In sympathy, we reach out to those who grieve.” -Unknown Author
