What does a white dove mean? This is the question we’ve been asking our friends and family. Our immediate response is that a white dove is a blessing, an affirmation, a sign of safety. We feel embraced under the wings of the white dove. One daughter has shared biblical references, and two others are sure this is their mother, who passed recently, coming back to bless and guide the family, to let us know she is all right and looking out for all of us.
For the past month, a large and beautiful white dove has visited us. She comes at sunset as the last rays of red and orange sunshine sit on the horizon, and she leaves at dawn as the sun begins to rise. She came one Sunday evening as we gathered outside our home, saying goodbye to our daughter Ramel and thanking her for visiting with us. Ramel looked up and was the first to spot the dove. “Look,” she whispered, pointing at the white dove sitting in the alcove above our front door. The dove looked back at us, moving her head, seeming to want to communicate.
We were in awe. And the awe returned as we saw her atop our home the next day and the next. As we look at her our hearts calm and we feel drenched with love. Love and a desire to make her life better, to help ensure she returns, feels this is her home, and feels good just being with us. Pearl found birdseed for doves and a feed dish. Mel is busy refilling the dish and ensuring she has fresh water at night and again in the morning. We wait for her, and we text our daughters sharing, “Lovey Dovey is back.”
That’s her name: Lovey Dovey. A perfect description: she is our love dove. Awaiting her visits, gazing at her, cooing sweet sounds, and caring for her bring us joy. And that’s what we want for you our readers. Joy. Love. Peace. An opening in your heart. An anticipation of something good to come. A willingness to give so that others may rest and restore themselves. A feeling that something good is going to happen.
These are challenging times, difficult times. So many of us are experiencing the effects of an untethered cruelty of words and actions. Now is the time for Lovey Dovey. We do not need to engage in hate and the degradation of others because we think, see, believe, pray, or act differently. Look around you for the Lovey Dovey in your midst. Find that spark of beauty, that beacon of good, and bring it into your heart. Now more than ever we have to be the love, peace, and justice we want to see. Let it begin with me and you. We hope you will write us at info@saadandshaw.com and let us know about the Lovey Dovey in your life. May God protect America and the world we share together.
© 2025 Mel and Pearl Shaw, authors of “Prerequisites for Fundraising Success.” We provide fundraising counsel to higher education, nonprofits, and philanthropy. Video conferencing always available. Visit www.saadandshaw.com.
