How Is Coastline A Light - Like the Peony?
The peony. Fragile but beautiful. Standing, as a lighthouse, in the middle of the floral centerpieces that were on the tables for the Coastline Women’s Center 2023 Spring to Life Gala, it was fitting. The peony has symbolic meanings in different cultures. The flower can be given to express regret, a clean slate, or a fresh start. In Eastern culture, the “King of Flowers” represents good fortune, honor, and prosperity. The color - simple, white - invoking feelings that are serene and calming, often associated with a new baby. Little did I know how God would use that flower…
Prior to the start of the evening’s events, we were enjoying capturing special moments with the attendees. I wanted to photograph Jeannie with her new book, The Gift. It was important to me to capture their family, the Coastline Board, and many of the patrons of the Center. A young woman stepped to the backdrop with Jeannie and Carter. We captured those moments - along with tremendous smiles and hugs. I knew she was likely an expectant Coastline mother, but I had no idea how God was knitting these events together. It was not until I turned to capture the first testimony, Cassidy Johnson’s, that I understood.
The theme for the event was fitting, “A Second Chance At Life”. Cassidy’s pregnancy was just that. With the room in tears, her testimony explained that her baby boy - already named Dexter, because he is “the fortunate one” - is waiting to be delivered even after she took the abortion pill to end her pregnancy. Dr. Peter Bleyer, Coastline’s Medical Director, explained that it is, in fact, possible to reverse the effects of RU486. Cassidy had taken the drug 46 hours prior to coming to Coastline. He attributed the success of her continued pregnancy to the fast reactions and wonderfully triaged care she received there. What a blessing to have such a second chance - a light in the darkness…
The scripture reference for the Gala was John 1:4. The context for the passage reads:
John 1:1-9
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
As Christians, Jesus calls us bear witness of His TRUE light - like that peony standing in the middle of the centerpiece. Later in John, we are given the New Commandment:
John 13:34-35
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Coastline loves others. They provide free medical care for crisis pregnancy situations, parenting classes, Abigail’s place - a place where parents can earn baby clothing and supplies, discipleship training, a new mentorship program, and they love others by giving the Good News. They provide this wonderful event where we continue to see a Coastline baby - Blair - grow and thrive; Carter and Jeannie’s son, Luke, being given an opportunity to sing for the Lord; Russell and Kristi leading praise. We also hear testimonies like Cassidy’s and Pamela’s - another story of healing from this year - such a light in the darkness of this world. Like that peony in the centerpiece…
I was honored to serve this ministry again this year.
Blessings…
Lisa