March and April have provided many challenging and life-altering opportunities. During this time, I have experienced some personal losses. It is often said that “Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot cure.” I searched the scriptures for this quote and did not find it. However, I remembered a scripture from the Beatitudes that states, “Blessed are those who mourn; for they shall be comforted.” During this time, this scripture provides solace.

I am amazed at the individuals who have reached out to me. That is the power of relationships. The caller often said, “You were on my mind, and I decided to call.” How refreshing and life-strengthening those calls were. Building healthy relationships has been my goal for a long time. One of life’s purposes is to build healthy and reciprocal relationships, supporting each other in good and bad times.

On Monday, we heard about the death of Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church. Amazingly, the day before his death, Easter Sunday, he blessed the crowd in his usual fashion. It has been said numerous times that this amazing man stood for justice, the underserved, and those who most would like to forget. His life is a testament to his belief in and reverence for God.

That is my desire for Families Matter. We are a faith-based organization that works to serve families. Our ultimate goal is to support children in becoming their best selves by educating, enhancing, and supporting fathers and mothers.

During this time of immense grief for the loss of Pastor Ricky Floyd, a Families Matter board member, and other family members and friends, we continue to press forward toward our goals of assisting others and creating positive change for Memphis and Shelby County.

Please visit the Families Matter website at www.familiesmattermemphis.org to view the positive things happening as we strive tremendously toward fulfilling our mission.

We seek your prayers and support as we continue to strengthen families, change lives, and transform Memphis.

Carol A. Jackson

Executive Director