NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — One Nashville woman is working with an area nonprofit ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day to provide a candlelight service for those who have lost loved ones to addiction.
Pastor Rebecca Bailey and STARS Nashville started the event around three years ago. Bailey said they brainstormed a way to connect the faith community with those affected by addiction. They created a memorial service to allow community members to take a pause and grieve in a safe space.
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Bailey said that when a loved one dies by overdose, it’s often neither honored nor recognized. She said often, there’s a stigma attached to those who die by overdose, and people sometimes aren’t given space to express their emotions. This service is meant to be a way to give people a place to celebrate someone and say their life mattered regardless of their choices.
Many attendees have shared testimonies through the years, and Bailey said the hope is that this year’s attendees also feel safe enough to talk about their loved ones…