Last year my family had this motto; shine brightly. In the face of our adversities and whatever was thrown at us, we wanted to shine the light of Jesus, brightly. Last year there were a lot of ups and downs, a lot of pain and struggles, but through it all we chose joy. We chose to look towards the heavens and put our trust in Jesus. We knew He had everything under control, no matter what the test result was or what the doctors said. We continued to shine through it all.
I am so blessed to be part of a family that knows what its like to have nothing and knows what it is like to struggle financially and health wise. The illnesses that each of my parents have are unfortunate; my dad has a chronic nerve disease and my mother has acute kidney disease. They both are tired and weak most of the time, but each day they get up and go to work and they shine. My parents are my twin pillars, my rocks. They have got me through the toughest times in my life and have been there for me through all of my 'firsts' (so far). So even though my family was dealt the health card, some would say, I am beyond thankful that we were. We wouldn't be the people we are right now, if we hadn't gone through all we have, and if we hadn't needed to truly put ALL our trust in Him when we did not know what was going to happen.
So through it all, this past year and even all these years, we chose to shine brightly. And this year, we choose to not be shaken.
This year has already brought me a huge learning experience, but my family was there with me through it all. We learned together, but I learned so much especially, from my parents who offered me love, wisdom and advice. After that learning experience, and with the daunting future ahead of us, (where we don't know what is going to happen health wise with my momma) we decided that our new motto is; we won't be shaken.
"I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken." Psalm 16:8
and we are ready for anything.
in omnia paratus
-I also just want to encourage those of you who are new on their faith journey, or those of you who are going through something really tough or traumatic...
It gets better. When you put your trust in Jesus and surrender it all to Him, He will hold you up and surround you with people to be there for you. Life is exciting, remember that! Each day is a chance to start over and live according to His word and gain all He has to offer. Be open to His blessings and you'll see how it's not so bad after all, and then it can only get better from there.
