INTRODUCTION TO TURNING MOURNING INTO DANCING

I am delighted to introduce our new book, “Turning Morning into Dancing,” designed explicitly for grieving people. This unique adult coloring book is deeply rooted in Christian beliefs. It’s a joint effort with my longtime friend, Wanda Parker Rains, a remarkably talented illustrator. This marks our second collaborative project, and I'm confident you will be captivated by her incredible illustrations!

People of all ages are beginning to discover the incredible benefits of coloring, such as reducing stress, managing depression, and finding inner peace. These benefits are not just hearsay; they're natural and therapeutic. If you’re skeptical, we encourage you to give it a try. Coloring is like a soothing elixir for stress. It has the power to alleviate anxiety and even lower your blood pressure.

On April 14, 2017, our beloved ninety-three-year-old mother, Josephine Penn, transitioned to be with the Lord. Her death brought deep sorrow to me and my seven siblings. The grief we experienced from the passing of our mother has given me a profound new perspective on the journey of grief and loss and the importance of navigating the process effectively. I believe my siblings, our children, and our grandchildren would all concur that the years we spent with our mother have made coping with her death somewhat more manageable.

My mother's passing inspired the creation of this book. God knew precisely how to help me transform my grief into joy. God used my passion for writing to address many of my mental and spiritual needs during this time. The Holy Spirit has been my guide as I penned 17 grief-related messages for this book. It's a profoundly personal project designed to offer solace and therapeutic benefits to anyone mourning a loss, hoping to transform sorrow into dancing.

You might be wondering why we intentionally use the word “playful.” In Proverbs 17:22, King Solomon reminds us of the therapeutic value of a cheerful heart: “A joyful heart is a good medicine, but a broken spirit drains one's strength.” Each message and illustration in this book provide a creative and therapeutic outlet, allowing you to find joy and playfulness, even amidst your grief and pain, as you journey toward healing, wholeness, and transformation. Writing these messages has been instrumental in helping me turn my mourning into dancing.

Psychologist Nikki. Martinez, Psy.D., LCPC, in her article. “7 Reasons Adult Coloring Books Are Great for your Mental, Emotional, and Intellectual Health,” highlights the therapeutic advantages of adult coloring books. She also suggests that coloring is an alternative to meditation, offering relaxation and a calming effect. Coloring engages both the right and left hemispheres of your brain.

Christians recognize that significant losses can take various forms, such as losing a loved one through death, divorce, job loss, or breaking a cherished relationship. In our book, we delve into several critical insights related to grief and stress, primarily emphasizing the universal nature of grief. Grief is a common human experience, but people express and cope differently, depending on their circumstances. It's often said that the depth of our grief reflects the depth of our love.

What sets this book apart from most adult coloring books are the illustrations and messages tailored to the theme of grief. The coloring activities and accompanying messages are carefully crafted to encourage personal growth and facilitate healing. Coloring is an enjoyable way to unwind, allowing you to access that inner sanctuary and dedicate time to self-care. It serves as a tranquil escape from life's daily pressures and stresses.

It's important to prioritize a stress-free life to the extent possible. Engaging in coloring enables you to confront and explore your internal struggles related to pain and loss, granting yourself the freedom to play and tap into your creative potential. The Bible provides solace, assuring us that sorrow is not permanent. The psalmist beautifully articulates that God's favor can transform sorrow into joy: "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5b NKJV).

It’s important to note that this book is not intended for individuals grappling with clinical depression. If you find yourself experiencing prolonged stress and depression, it's advisable to seek professional assistance from your personal physician or a mental health specialist.

I sincerely hope this adult coloring book will have the same transformative effect on you as it has had on me—turning your sorrows into joy and setting your feet and soul into a dance of healing and restoration. It is a heartfelt dedication to all those in a mourning season.