Local Florist Gives Flowers to Hundreds of Widows

When loss becomes a part of your, it’s hard to imagine joy being birth out of sorrow. Grief comes in waves but that doesn’t mean we can’t find a way to create goodness in the midst of it. Ashley Manning of Charlotte, North Carolina did just that. This local florist gives flowers to hundreds of widows–helping them celebrate and remember and celebrate past memories. 

Ashley started this project because she wanted to “show love to those who are hurting,” according to her Instagram. She began the Valentine’s Day Widow Outreach Project about a year after she started her own florist shop. The idea to show love and compassion to widows came to her because “Showing love and compassion to our neighbors can change someone’s life.” She added, “Thinking about others first, giving your time or your treasure or talent can make an impact far greater than you can see. I hope this project inspires you to listen to that little voice when it calls.” 

The little voice Ashley paid attention to helped ease the pain of losing their loved ones to roughly 800 widows on Valentine’s Day. The flowers she gave were single roses or simple arrangements. The bouquets given were stunning, complex, and beautiful. Likely, each bouquet was worth hundreds of dollars but Ashley was able to create these stunning statement pieces through donations. 

Can you imagine the joy and love blooming in the hearts of widows on a day that was made to celebrate love? The Bible reminds us to be kind and compassionate to one another. I certainly hope this story inspires you to listen to that still-small voice and find a way to put others first. 

“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another,” Colossians 3:12.