“According to behavioral research conducted at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, nature provides us with a simple way to improve emotional health – flowers. The presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed.  The research adds a scientific foundation to what many consider to be common knowledge – that flowers have a strong, beneficial impact on those who receive them. The Society of American Florists worked in cooperation with the Rutgers research team, bringing an expertise of flowers to the project. “

The Society of American Florists (Researcher: Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D)

“When you've gone through adversity or when you've seen someone battle through it, your heart is drawn toward the value of purpose, meaning and time well spent.  The unseen realm becomes more vivid and in its wake the desire to be loved well, and the desire to love well rests upon you.  Silence, music, reason, a brief word well spoken, FLOWERS, a card, a hand, a shoulder, a piece of art, a word well written, a thought well expressed, anger, fear, forgiveness, laughter and tears, a long drive, or a short walk, alone or with a "comforter"; all of these simple things have a new RADIANT BEAUTY.  It is in that place where a newfound "Celebration of Life" is birthed."   

RG Founder & Thriving Survivor: Marsha B. Parker        

Here are words from a text that we received from a survivor who attended our workshop.
"Just want to say again how much I enjoyed the class/session/retreat last evening...because it was all those things to me. I learned so much about myself and other people, I was able to relax (something I struggle with). I was awed and lifted by your story of "thriving", the food was amazing...ALL of it, the venue was surreal, the music ministered to me...ALL of it...and I learned about flowers! God was present last evening and he was pleased!! This is something special that you've tapped into Marsha." - Jen M.

NOMINATE A SURVIVOR FOR OUR #CONTENDFORPEACE FLOWERING WORKSHOP By November 7, 2025