Inspiring Journeys of Faith and Strength

Last month, as the first signs of spring appeared and we looked ahead to Passover and Easter, I found myself thinking about life’s biggest questions: What gives our lives meaning? What happens at the end? And how do we keep moving forward when the world feels so uncertain?  That reflection led to writing a letter on the nature of faith — not necessarily in a religious sense, but as a quiet force that helps us trust, hope, and carry on, even when we can’t see what’s ahead. To me, faith is something we all rely on, whether we call it that or not. We don’t have all the answers. But we move forward anyway. That’s faith.  In the first of those letters, I asked you, the Celebrations Pulse community, to share your stories about the role faith plays in your life. I was moved by the overwhelming response — it’s one of the most thoughtful and heartfelt conversations we’ve ever had here.  A few readers thought I was making a case for religion, but most understood my broader message and shared how their own faith has helped them through life’s challenges. Reading your messages made one thing clear: For many, faith isn’t just a belief. It’s a lifeline.  Here are several of the powerful stories you shared. Faith in everyday struggles Rosie, a single mom for 14 years, wrote about how faith anchors her through life’s daily ups and downs. She finds something to be grateful for in each moment, choosing kindness, even in hardship. She wrote:  “I’ve learned to find something to be grateful for and treat each interaction as an opportunity. Life is about choices, and no matter our circumstances, we can make a positive impact — whether it's picking up trash, opening a door, offering a smile, or thanking a veteran.  “With faith in this, situations I never thought possible have happened. Circumstances I don’t understand have produced good results. Faith can move mountains.”  Ashley’s story echoed similar strength. After battling chronic illness, her partner left, and she was left raising three kids on her own. Then came a bright spot in the form of David, a first responder who brought joy and stability. Though David passed away just before Christmas, Ashley and her children hold onto faith:  “Since then, we've lost our home, but never our faith. We say, ‘Wait and see how God takes care of us.’ And He always does.”  Faith through loss and caregiving Carol shared how her faith deepened through years of personal and family challenges: surviving cancer in her 20s, raising a child with diabetes, and caring for multiple loved ones with Alzheimer’s. A near-death experience during surgery and a beam of light through stained glass reminded her that hope and healing often come from unexpected places. “Each experience, though painful, strengthened my faith,” she wrote.  Ellen’s faith was tested when her daughter was severely burned rescuing the family dog from a house fire. In the chaos and grief, Ellen found comfort in strangers, in prayer, and in the belief that even in heartbreak, there is meaning. “My faith was tested deeply,” she said, “but it grew stronger through this unbearable loss.”  Some of you wrote about faith, not just as comfort, but as purpose.  For Pastor Anthony, faith was the way out of addiction and into a new life. After overcoming a crack cocaine addiction that nearly tore his family apart, he founded a church — with no money, just conviction. On March 30, 2025, they opened a new building dedicated to families and children. “We’re here to share the message of faith and resurrected life.”  Unshakable faith amid suffering Others shared stories that left me in awe of the human spirit.  Rosalie endured the loss of two children — her daughter to cancer, her son to addiction — on top of her own battle with breast cancer. Still, she gives thanks for every blessing. “Our faith continues to carry us,” she wrote. “We count our grandchildren and great-grandchildren as daily reminders of God’s strength.”  Rolanda was shot and paralyzed at 17. Since then, she has earned multiple degrees, pursued a law degree, and become an advocate for others with disabilities. “Faith is my anchor,” she said. “The best is yet to come.”  Katie wrote about the scariest moment of her life — learning at 31 weeks pregnant that her unborn son had serious brain issues. But instead of fear, she felt peace:  “My faith helped me stand firm. Today, Bobby is a 6’8” college junior studying game design. “We all need faith,” she added, “because life is too scary without it.”  Faith in a season of renewal These reflections remind us that faith isn’t just something we carry. Sometimes, it’s what carries us. Whether rooted in religion or simply a deep trust in life’s arc bending toward good, faith helps us rise after a fall, love after loss, and keep going when the road is uncertain.  To everyone who shared your story with me, thank you. You’ve reminded us all that in this season of renewal, it’s our shared belief in something more — something better — that lights the way forward.  All the best,  Jim  We all reach a moment when we ask: What truly matters the most? As part of our April series on spirituality and human connection, I spoke with Father James Brent , O.P., a Dominican priest and philosopher known for making the wisdom of St. Thomas Aquinas accessible and relevant. We explore how faith, purpose, and grace intersect, not just in theology, but in daily life. Father James shares his own story of drifting from faith in college, rediscovering it through philosophy, and embracing the Dominican life of prayer, study, and preaching.  Father James teaches at The Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C., and lectures widely through the Thomistic Institute. He holds a doctorate in philosophy from Saint Louis University and has published extensively on Aquinas and theology.  In this week’s Power & Impact, we also discuss why Aquinas believed in the literal reunion of soul and body after death, the surprising joy of confession, and the difference between faith and religion. Once you’ve listened to our conversation, please share your thoughts at podcasts@celebrations.com. Honoring the admins who keep us on track This entire week, we celebrate administrative professionals.   Every job involves both administrative and professional tasks. Employees greet visitors, answer phones, and write memos. Currently, administrative professionals coordinate projects, create and present presentations, engage with customers, and provide technical support, among other responsibilities.  There are several departments and teams that we rely on, even take for granted. Mailroom staff ensure timely delivery and distribution of packages. IT department employees manage and maintain the company’s technology infrastructure, troubleshoot issues, and support employees with their technological needs. Building maintenance personnel ensure a safe and functional environment for everyone.  After all, the people who keep our work lives running smoothly, our calendars on track, and our teams connected deserve more than just a moment of appreciation. They’ve earned a full week of recognition!  Lately, there’s been a lot of excitement around artificial intelligence and how it’s reshaping the workplace. But there’s another kind of AI that I rely on every day: Administrative Intelligence (the human kind).  For me, that’s Patty and Lisa.  Patty is my North Star. She is always steady, always a step ahead. If I’m on time and on track, it’s because she made it happen. Lisa brings her own spark: calm under pressure, quick with solutions, and always thoughtful in the details.  What makes them irreplaceable is their empathy, their intuition, and their ability to make everything (and everyone) work better together. While tools evolve, the essence of the role remains. Behind every great team are people like Patty and Lisa.  So, this week, take a moment and say thank you because administrative professionals don’t just support the workplace. They make it work.  A toast to English muffins There’s a quiet kind of comfort in an English muffin. Maybe it’s the way it crisps just right in the toaster, or how it soaks up butter and jam like it was made for simple pleasures. For me, it’s the morning ritual — the sound, the smell, the first bite — that brings calm before the day begins.  English muffins provide more than nourishment. They offer solace. In times of change or uncertainty, they remind us of home — of slower mornings, of conversations over coffee, of kitchens filled with warmth. They’re humble, dependable, and somehow always just what you need. That’s what makes them such a thoughtful gift.  And when that gift comes from Wolferman’s Bakery, it carries a little history, too. Since 1888, Wolferman’s has been baking up traditions from its Midwestern roots, perfecting the artof the thick, hearty English muffin. Its signature recipe — rich, chewy, and full of nooks and crannies — is a legacy, crafted to bring people together one bite at a time.  Wolferman’s also offers special flavors that bring a new twist to this beloved classic — including its latest: French Toast English Muffins, a sweet, cinnamon-kissed variety that tastes like breakfast on a Sunday morning. Try them here. While they’re best known as a breakfast staple, English muffins are remarkably versatile. They make excellent bases for open-faced sandwiches, quick mini pizzas, and even an elevated bun for your next hamburger. That chewy texture and toasty edge hold up beautifully to a juicy patty. Morning, noon, or night, there’s always a delicious way to enjoy them.  So, on National English Muffin Day (April 23), let’s raise a toast to comfort, connection, and the little things that make life more delicious. Because sometimes, the simplest gifts are the ones that stay with us the longest.  Shining a light on our community’s Amazing Moms As Mother’s Day (May 11) approaches, we’re continuing our celebration of the Amazing Momswho hold it all together, often without skipping a beat.  Do you know a mom who balances it all with grace? Maybe she’s a nurse caring for patients through the night and a parent making lunches the next morning. Maybe she’s a teacher, a coach, a caregiver (or all of the above)!  I want to hear about the moms in your life who inspire you with their strength, compassion, and quiet heroism. Share your story for an upcoming Celebrations Pulse and help us honor the women who show up, give endlessly, and still manage to pack love into every lunch box.  Nurturing the planet and each other Earth Day (April 22) has always reminded me that we’re not just living on this planet but in a relationship with it. And, like any good relationship, it requires care, attention, and a bit of gratitude.  At 1-800-Flowers.com and across our family of brands, we’re proud to take steps that honor that relationship. From wind-powered distribution centers to recycled packaging and sustainable fishing practices, our teams are working to do right by the Earth — and by future generations.  These aren’t grand gestures. They’re small, yet meaningful actions that add up over time. And that’s the spirit of Earth Day: Doing what we can, where we are, with what we have.  So, this week, let’s celebrate the beauty of our planet and commit to caring for it together. Because when we nurture the Earth, we nurture each other.  Related articles that caught my eye Written by our Founder and CEO, our Celebrations Pulse Letters aim to engage with our community. From sharing stories to welcoming your ideas, we want to help you to express, connect, and celebrate the important people in your life.  View as webpage This email was sent by: 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. Two Jericho Plaza Suite 200 Jericho, NY, 11753, USA Manage Email Preferences | Terms & Conditions | Unsubscribe from Pulse Newsletter