“[In Heaven] there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain." ~ Revelation 1:4
Quinn,
his wife, and a gifted artist left this world to join the Lord after her
debilitating fight against brain cancer. Since her death five years ago, Bradyn
still struggles with her loss.
He’s well aware of the logic -
Quinn is with God, perfect once again and free of all pain, suffering, and tears.
But the grief from missing her remains overpowering.
As he walked along the beach at
daybreak, Braydyn prayed for any sign that might connect him with his soulmate
again. A butterfly, cardinal, or even a rainbow - anything for some reassurance
that all would be ok.
At low
tide, the beach was littered with tiny pieces of broken seashells. Brayden
turned toward a rising sun that warmed a gentle passion in his heart. “Every
day the sun comes up,” he thought, “brings new hope. We can always count on God’s
promises.”
He turned to continue his walk.
Not ten paces ahead, he gently picked it up, lightly brushed off the sand, and
felt tears tumble from his cheeks. Some may read this with skepticism, merely a
coincidence. But for Braydyn, it was a prayer answered.
Sand dollars are akin to sea
urchins. When they wash up on the beach and are bleached by the sun, they look
like a large coin, hence the nickname.
With their intricate patterns and
delicate shapes, they’ve captured our imaginations for centuries. Archeologists
found sea fossils belonging to the same genus in Mount
Everest’s limestone which help validate the biblical accounts of the global
Flood recorded in Genesis 6-9.
It’s said
that Jesus left the sand dollar as a symbol to help teach the Christian faith.
On one
side, there’s an outline of a poinsettia, the Christmas flower symbolizing Jesus’
birth. The flip side of the shell displays a star-like image, reflecting the
Star of Bethlehem that guided those wise men to the newborn Christ Child.
Five
surface holes are said to depict Jesus’ wounds. Spines on the surface portray the
crown of thorns worn during his crucifixion. A silhouette of an Easter lily
circling the star represents His resurrection.
If you
carefully break open a sand dollar, five white, dove-shaped pieces emerge.
These are said to symbolize peace and the joy that spread while Jesus roamed
the earth.
Whether you’re drawn to their
beauty, intrigued by their symbolism, or simply appreciate their unique shape
and patterns, sand dollars continue to inspire us. Just ask Bradyn.
“This simple little symbol, Christ left for
you and me, to help to spread His Message through all eternity. Now break its
center open, and here you will release, five white doves waiting to spread goodwill
and peace.” Amen (“Legend of the Sand Dollar,” Unknown)
