GREETINGS to all readers and friends from the city of Beijing, China!
As I sit on my chair, covered with blue and white stripes, I am reminded of the myriad meanings and emotions that the colour blue evokes. It is a colour that seems to carry both stillness and depth, both distance and closeness, both sorrow and peace.
This week, let us take a moment to immerse ourselves in the healing properties of blue and reflect on the personal experiences that resonate with this hue. What does blue symbolise in our lives, and how have our experiences shaped this understanding?
To guide our reflections, I propose two questions:
What memorable experiences do you associate with the colour blue, particularly in the month of May, throughout your past years? How has your perception of the colour blue shaped your understanding of spirituality, healing, and community?
For me, the first thing that springs to mind is the profound connection I have with the month of May, traditionally regarded as the month of Mary. Growing up, a significant aspect of my May anticipation included the rosary prayers conducted in front of the grotto of the Holy Trinity Church. There was something quietly powerful about those evenings – the gentle gathering of voices, the flickering candles, and above all, the serene presence of the statue of Mother Mary clothed in blue robes.
Her blue garments always captivated me. They symbolised tranquillity, purity, and divine grace, and even as a child I sensed that the colour carried something sacred beyond words. I have missed those sacred gatherings profoundly. They were more than rituals; they were moments of spiritual communion where we shared our joys and sorrows, entrusting our concerns to Mother Mary through collective prayer. In hindsight, I realise that these moments of unity fostered a deep sense of belonging and quietly strengthened the roots of my faith.
As it is beautifully said, “To be a mother is to watch over the world with love, in every shade of blue.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of what I feel towards Mother Mary, who consistently represents comfort, protection, and unconditional love. Blue, in this sense, becomes more than a colour; it becomes an emotional language of care, presence, and divine reassurance.
As I reflect on those cherished memories, I am reminded of the deep connection between the colour blue and spirituality. A quote attributed to Saint Teresa of Ávila beautifully encapsulates this feeling: “Prayer is an act of love.” In a world that often feels chaotic, returning to the blue of Mary offers a sense of peace that comforts the soul.
In the Bible, blue is often seen as a colour of divine revelation and mystery. Exodus 24:10 describes the majesty of God seen as “the place where heaven meets earth”, often depicted with a blue sapphire stone.
The colour blue also signifies heaven and the celestial realm, symbolising God’s faithfulness, loyalty, and grace throughout the Scriptures. Furthermore, blue holds a special place within the Catholic tradition, often associated with the Virgin Mary. Churches are often adorned in blue as a representation of her purity and grace.
For example, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., features blue tiles that reflect the Virgin Mary’s significance in Catholicism. Various churches celebrate the colour blue in their architecture and art. For instance, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City features intricate blue tile mosaics that draw the eye and spirit towards the divine.
Blue in Catholicism typically represents Mary, while in Marian devotions it often signifies purity, grace, and the promise of renewal.
Each of these instances reflects how deeply intertwined the colour blue is with the experience of faith and hope. But blue is not limited to Catholic symbolism; it appears in other religions as well.
In Hinduism, the god Krishna is often depicted with blue skin, symbolising the infinite and the divine. Followers associate his hue with both love and a higher spiritual calling that transcends the ordinary and the mundane. The use of blue in various faith traditions illustrates a universal language of spirituality and connection.
As we continue our reflections, let us conclude with the acronym BLUE, symbolising the healing power of faith in our lives, especially during May, a time of renewal and spiritual awakening:
B – Beacon of Hope: Blue serves as a guiding light in moments of despair, leading us towards faith and resilience.
L – Love in Community: The gathering of like-minded individuals in prayer strengthens our bonds and brings us together in unity and love.
U – Understanding Through Reflection: Engaging in deep reflection allows us to comprehend the significance of our experiences with the colour blue and how they shape our spiritual journeys.
E – Empowerment Through Faith: Blue represents not only physical healing but also the empowerment of our spirits through trust in God.
Finally, let us encourage one another to explore how the colour blue can positively influence our spirituality, emotional intelligence, and overall well-being, reminding us that in our chaotic world, God is our guiding light. If we entrust our worries and hopes to Him, we can contribute to creating a more peaceful world.
In concluding this exploration, I humbly leave you with these quotes, all of which touch me deeply in my present journey:
“Faith is the bridge between where I am and where God is taking me. When we trust in God, He will guide our paths, even through the stormiest skies. Wherever you are, God has placed you for a purpose. Trust in His plan.”
In the Bible, we find comfort in phrases such as: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11). This verse captures the spirit of togetherness through prayer and love, even when we are miles apart.
As a reflection from my hospital bed, to God be the glory, I humbly write these words filled with joy, hope, love, and peace. I have just received another blood transfusion, and I can feel the energy and life returning to me. I aim to invite light into my journey, even with anaemia, low red blood cell counts, and lung complications.
My heart overflows with gratitude for my medical team, and above all, for God, my ultimate healer. While embracing this experience, I miss home deeply. And so, I turn my gaze to the blue skies. I suppose the blue skies of Beijing are not that different from the blue skies of Kuching.
This serves as a reminder of the blue skies of my past, a colour that signifies my longing for connection and warmth. It has been 76 days since I left, yet I am blessed that my daughter has remained by my side since day one and that my husband has been spending precious days with me.
The presence of family reminds me that home is not merely a place; it is where love resides. In moments of separation, prayer unites our spirits, transcending any physical distance. As we seize the healing potential of blue and allow its deeper meaning to guide us, let us nurture our spiritual intelligence and develop our emotional awareness.
In times of imbalance, where uncertainty reigns, may we look to God, allowing Him to be our shepherd through challenges. May we look to Mary, God’s gift to humanity, with her blue mantle of hope and help for the weary. May blue be the healing balm for our body, mind, and spirit.
Truly, blue is a sacred, sweet reminder of our connection both to the divine and to each other.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at lawleepoh@gmail.com.
