| Every year, I choose a word to guide me, and in 2024, that word was “GRACE.” Initially, I struggled to embrace it and didn’t quite understand its purpose. The loss of my brother to suicide, a friend’s battle with cancer, and struggles that my family experienced piled on immense pain. My anger clouded the grace I sought, intensifying with each hardship. Many can relate to this overwhelming feeling, and I don’t want to minimize the grief, but, I questioned why God chose “grace” for me this year. “My grace is sufficient for you, and my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Amidst personal and family hardships, preparing for Christmas illuminated how my past and present grief had intertwined and intensified causing me to miss the joy around me. Watching “A Wonderful Life” at church, I discovered the hope and meaning I had been missing. In the film, George, a main character, feels his life is meaningless and considers ending it. Afterward, the lay-pastor shared a similar loss of a friend, which moved me deeply. I finally felt the tears of mercy I needed to extend to myself. Without uttering a word, I embraced her at the end of the service, finding solace in shared compassion. “Grace means all mistakes serve a purpose and not shame”. Reflecting on my journey as a healer, I’ve learned that challenges often come before healing. By persevering through these times, the quiet strength of grace and mercy becomes profound. A friend’s advice to pray for the full armor of God, especially during holidays and transitions, revealed to me that true grace is found in consistently forgiving ourselves and others, freeing us from hidden shame. Giving grace can bring grace. As the year ends, I wish to cover you in grace like a warm blanket and encourage you to select a Guiding Word for the New Year. May it bring joy, freedom, and peace for you to share – even if it takes every single day of 2025! Ask, believe, receive. |
