Have you ever been sitting in church and feel as though God is speaking directly to you? Well, Em said it best, I got a ‘shout out’ by our pastor from the pulpit yesterday morning by name. It was a reminder of the command not to be afraid because Jesus is with me in the difficulties of life. I needed that more than anyone knows…besides Him, of course.

It has been quite some time since I’ve written here and the truth is 2023 was an incredibly awful year for me. While I still keep a gratitude journal, I didn’t even write my 30 days of Thankfulness posts last November that I enjoy so much. What started out with such joy and promise last year in turn ended up crushing me. Last summer was spent in bed with excruciating shingles and not long after our baby girl bittersweetly went to college. Needless to say, I was all too happy to ring in 2024.

Now as my illnesses flare up and I’m getting older I have to admit I’m a little bit fearful. It feels as if my fire and drive…my flame…is getting dim. It feels like like I have less and less fight in me and getting worse and worse with no seeming end, rhyme or reason. I’m doing all I know how to do, but struggling to just be. I needed to hear that I am not alone and that God still has a purpose for me and He will be faithful to complete it. He has called me by name and I am His.

Whatever you’re facing friends, if you feel alone, bring the Lord into it. Ask Him to meet you where you are. Keep your eyes open and wait to hear His voice. There is nothing He wants more than to come near to you when you ask Him.

But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1