Meet Nicole Hartman - a woman of many talents and trades, who never ceases to amaze me. She is one of the most generous people I know, with a heart for God that led her from pain to promise. After suffering the terribly disappointing loss of three children through miscarriage, Nicole listened to the Lord's gentle urging to begin the Embrace ministry that after just three short years is seeing chapters open throughout the United States. Their mission is to embrace, hold close and support families who have suffered the devastating loss of a child through miscarriage, still birth, or infant death. One of the many beautiful ways the ministry reaches out to these families is through the Embrace Remembrance Walk - which I was privileged to photograph this year. The Walk includes a Stations of the Cross reflection, prayer service and butterfly release, and serves as an opportunity to remember and celebrate the lives of the families' precious lost ones. It truly is a moving and healing experience for all those in attendance. 

The lovely and talented Sarah Kroger offered her giftedness during the prayer service by singing some of her latest arrangements. If you are not familiar with Sarah's music, you MUST check out www.sarahkroger.com. She truly has the voice of an angel. 

As the prayer service concludes, every family is given an enveloped butterfly for each of their precious little ones, which are gently released to close out the celebration.

To hear more of the details of Nicole's faith journey and the birth of Embrace Ministry, you are invited to attend the Magnificat Breakfast for women at Holy Cross Church in Atlanta on Saturday, November 15th, from 9:30 to noon. Reservations are $15 a piece and must be made in advance. Contact Holy Cross for further information.