2020 has shown me that I’m not in control, the government is not in control, the world is not in control; only God is in control. If the Maker of heaven and earth is in control, I can relinquish my control and simply yield to His leading. I can choose to trust Him even when I don’t understand. I don’t have to fuss about finding my way when the Way-Maker is leading me. I have also learnt that peace is precious and priceless and that I should guard it jealously. I have discovered the joy of dwelling in the secret place of the Most High and the beauty of approaching Him with simplicity and authenticity. I have learnt the importance of slowing down to reflect, re-evaluate and re-prioritise. I have discovered the power of intentionally feeding my faith and starving my fears. I have learnt to value the relationships that I have and to count my blessings. I have discovered that indeed, I have a Friend in Jesus.
Irrefutably, the word “unprecedented” has been somewhat over-used in 2020 but I will admit that there isn’t a better way to describe my 2020 experience. It has been an interesting mix of joy, pain, amazement, wonder, worship, strength, weakness, short-lived illness, healing, growing, anticipation, confusion, praise, exploration, frustration, bewilderment, victories, tears, forgiveness, surrender, losses, hope, sadness, seeking, searching, stretching, celebration, lifting others and being lifted by others. By the grace of God, I’m still here and am well-positioned to finish strong!
The death of George Floyd and the world-wide outrage that ensued was a particularly challenging time for my family as this opened up old wounds. I initially tried to distance myself from it but soon realised I couldn’t when our children started sharing their own experiences of injustice and discrimination, most of which we were hearing from them for the first time. In addition to processing our own memories, the feeling that somehow we had (inadvertently) been unable to “shield” our children from unpleasant experiences was difficult to process. As a family, we agreed that we would get through this by having open dialogue with God, with each other and with others. We supported our children’s decision to reach out to various institutions to make suggestions (which were very well-received). We talked and prayed together; we chose the path of forgiveness and we positioned ourselves to receive healing from the One who heals the broken-hearted (Psalm 147:3). Forgiveness has robbed the injustice of the power to harm our present and future. But the fight against racial injustice does not end here.
“The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.”
Psalm 103:6 (NKJV)
It’s a new day! Greater things are yet to come! Happy New year!
Photo taken by My Hope Station Blogger – Sunset at The Needles, Isle of Wight
This blog was inspired by a desire to share stories and articles which instil hope, inspire, edify, encourage, uplift, build confidence and stir faith. In addition to featuring articles and stories from various sources, I will also share from my life experience as a child of God, worshipper, wife, mother, sister, friend, auntie, scientist, researcher, post-doc, strategist, leader, project manager, line manager, entrepreneur, facilitator, mentor, coach, writer, poet, MBA student, life-long learner…..etc.
Inspiring hope is something very close to my heart. This is a thread that you will notice in all articles and stories featured on this blog. Hope is an essential nutrient; it’s presence is life-sustaining but its absence is life-draining.
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”
Proverbs 13:12-14 (NIV)
“Man can live about forty days without food, about three days without water, about eight minutes without air…but only for one second without hope.”
Author Unknown
Welcome to My Hope Station, where you will always find Hope Unlimited. Feel free to stop by any time to top up your tank. Don’t forget to invite others too.
My Hope Station. Hope Unlimited 