Two Tarkington women share faith one flower at a time

 

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A simple Sunday message about faith and discipleship inspired two Tarkington women to take their beliefs beyond the church walls.

On Oct. 5, Jesslyn Armstrong and her sister-in-law, Danna Bullard, attended their home church, Hope Church in Tarkington, where Bishop Bernard Boyd, who preaches there once a month, delivered a sermon that deeply moved them. His message about being disciples and planting seeds of faith stirred something in both women, prompting them to share God’s love in their community.

Following the service, Armstrong and Bullard went to the Walmart in Cleveland, where they bought a bouquet of 13 flowers, each with a Bible verse attached. They placed the flowers on random car windshields, hoping to brighten someone’s day and remind them that Jesus loves them.

Some of the verses they chose included Romans 5:8, Ephesians 2:8, John 3:16, 2 Timothy 1:7, Psalm 23 and Romans 8:28. Along with the scriptures, they added messages of hope, peace and encouragement.

Armstrong said the idea came after a period of prayer and reflection.

“Danna and my younger brother have been such a blessing, and so many people were praying for me when I couldn’t pray for myself,” Armstrong said. “A TikTok came across my page that said, ‘This is your sign to plant a seed,’ and I loved that. I told Danna, ‘We don’t see people doing this here, putting flowers on cars with notes that say Jesus loves you or a Bible verse.’ I’d been praying for God to use me because I know my testimony will one day help someone.”

The sermon that Sunday reinforced what she had already been feeling.

“Bishop Boyd spoke about being disciples of many nations and planting seeds, allowing the Lord to do the rest of the work,” Armstrong said. “That was my confirmation to step out of my comfort zone. I’m not someone who likes attention, but I felt called to do this.”

Armstrong’s husband, Alex Armstrong, died of cancer in October of last year. She said her faith and the conversations they shared before his death continue to guide her.

“I know Alex would be proud of me today,” Armstrong said. “He always wanted to make sure I didn’t lose my faith in God. Our story touched people’s lives, and I give him a lot of credit for that. I just want to keep spreading God’s love, not for pity, but because I know how powerful faith can be.”

Bullard, who is married to Armstrong’s brother, said the experience was just as meaningful for her.

“I have a lot of social anxiety,” Bullard said. “I’m shy, and I don’t always spread the gospel the way I want to. But this really helped me plant a seed and share Jesus with others. I think our town really needs to hear about Him, especially now when so many people are hurting or lost.”

The two plan to continue their mission weekly.

“We decided to keep everything — scissors, ribbons, index cards — in my car,” Armstrong said. “That way, once a week, we can buy a bouquet of flowers, go to a different spot, and do it again. We just want to keep planting seeds and spreading joy.”

Armstrong, 23, and Bullard, 20, invite others, especially young adults, to join them in their mission to share the love of Jesus throughout the community.

Those interested in participating can contact Jesslyn Armstrong at 832-599-9586 or Danna Bullard at 346-779-1779.