One year ago, my life was altered in ways I never expected. What started as a normal day quickly became the beginning of a journey I couldn’t have prepared for. I went blind in my left eye due to corneal ulcers—a health crisis that hit hard and fast. It was a blow I didn’t see coming, and it forced me to face fears and uncertainties I never imagined. Little did I know, this would be just one of many challenges I would endure in the course of a year that tested me in ways I had never been tested before.
While grappling with my own health, my son was fighting his own battle. He spent 31 days in the hospital, and every moment was filled with worry, fear, and exhaustion. I felt as though my world was crashing down around me, and I was forced to confront a reality where I had no control over the circumstances I found myself in. On top of that, I lost friends—people who I thought would always be by my side. The trust I had in others was shattered, and the weight of all these losses made it feel like I was facing an unrelenting storm.
But as the year went on, something remarkable happened. What I thought were my biggest fears turned out to be my testimony. In the midst of it all, I felt God holding my hand, guiding me, and reminding me that there was no reason to fear anymore. I realized that I had been through the worst of it, and I had made it through. God’s presence became undeniable, and in that moment, I understood that I was stronger than I had ever known, not because of my own strength, but because of the strength God had given me.
Looking back now, I can see how God worked through every trial I faced. I was able to see that he was the one who got me through each day. Through the fear, the tears, the exhaustion, and the loss, God remained my constant. And in the process, I learned what was truly important—what mattered most to me, and what needed to be let go of. I realized that in order for my life to stay on track, I needed to distance myself from certain people who no longer served a positive purpose in my life. This year, I promised myself that I would make space for those who lifted me up and let go of the things and people who held me back.
The most important lesson I’ve learned through it all is the power of trusting in God’s plan. So often, we are consumed by our own fears, by the uncertainty of what lies ahead, and by the struggles we face day after day. But through everything I went through last year, God showed me that there is a plan far greater than my own, a plan that I can trust. He has been guiding me all along, even when I didn’t realize it. Now, I understand that even in the darkest moments, there is a purpose behind the pain, and there is strength in trusting that God is leading me where I need to go.
This year, I made a promise to myself to grow closer to God, to trust Him completely, and to lean into His guidance with open arms. I know I’m not in control, and I don’t need to be. The weight of the world is not mine to carry alone. God has a plan for all of us, and I’ve learned that the best way to navigate life’s challenges is to surrender to His will and trust that He is in control
As I look back on the hardships I faced and the lessons I learned, I am filled with gratitude for everything God has done in my life. The strength, the healing, and the growth I have experienced wouldn’t have been possible without Him. I can now see that every challenge, every loss, and every moment of pain was part of a greater plan—a plan that has led me to a place of peace and understanding.
So, as I move forward into this new year, I do so with faith, with trust, and with the knowledge that God is walking beside me every step of the way. I encourage you to trust in His plan, no matter what you’re going through. Even when the path is unclear, remember that God’s love and guidance are always with us. We are never alone, and He will carry us through the toughest of times.
This year, I will continue to walk in faith, knowing that with God by my side, I can face whatever challenges come my way. And I will continue to be thankful for the lessons, the strength, and the love that He has brought into my life.
Trust in God’s plan, and remember that no matter how hard it gets, you are never alone. He is with you every step of the way.