A Letter to a Stranger

A Letter to a Stranger,

We don’t know each other. I’m the true definition of a stranger. A person you’re not familiar with, but a person that has been praying for you nonetheless. Life’s path, and my introduction to grief, turned me into someone that feels deeper than most. Someone that empathizes with a greater force and a larger chunk of my heart. I’ve known loss, and it changed the composition of my heart.

In many ways, grief made me a better person. It taught me to love deeper. To journey through life with a heart full of grace and a mind full of patience. It taught me to notice others. Truly notice them. To pray for them, listen to them, and help them feel less alone. It taught me to listen intently to the stories of others. Grief taught me the importance of a story, and the importance of feeling loved and understood. 

Today, I heard a piece of your story. I learned of the ache in your heart and the sorrow in your soul. I could feel the defeat. I could feel the dissipating hope. I could feel the sense of pain, anger, confusion, sadness, and ultimately, the anxiousness of the unknown. It was at that very moment, I stopped and I prayed for you. I prayed fiercely for you with heartfelt intentions. I hope that some of that comfort and love found you, even if it was from the heart of a stranger. 

I hope you can comprehend the strength and bravery that you possess. Even when you don’t feel it. Even when it’s buried so deep you think you’ll never find it again. 

You are strong. You are brave. You are capable of overcoming hard things, even if it feels like a task that will break your spirit into pieces. You can and will get through this, even if that means getting through it with pieces of your heart broken or lost.

You are amazing and loved, even on your weakest and darkest days. You have a heart filled with love and dedication. You have a sparkle in your eye that radiates compassion and grace. You have a spirit that inspires others. You may not realize the lengths of your influence, but it is mighty. Your story and journey are important. 

On the days you feel lost, without hope, without support, and without the strength to continue, remember that you have strangers praying for you. You’ve got strangers lifting you up in comforting thoughts and encouraging wishes. 

You’ve got people out there kneeling in prayer and saying your name out loud. 

I pray you feel love.

I pray you feel comfort.

I pray you feel supported and noticed.

I pray you become wrapped in strength and the courage to continue. 

I pray you feel immense hope and the possibility of miracles.

You matter. 

You don’t realize your inspiration, because you live with it everyday, but it is visible to the rest of the world. It’s so noticable, it was even seen by a stranger. 

xox, Chels