Life can be overwhelming at times. I’ve been through many seasons of life that could’ve taken me out. Ok, a little dramatic, but taken me out emotionally. Let’s face it, life can be hard! I tend to think of myself as the eternal optimist, so when things don’t go according to plan it can throw me for a huge loop! What to do? What to do?
We face things: unexpected losses, disappointments, people leave. We are faced with choices in these moments. Are we going to sink or swim? It’s in these times we must learn to be proactive. It’s human to feel, and that is healthy, but it’s what we do with these feelings that matters long term.
When I was 14, my mom was diagnosed with lymphoma and it sent our house in a bit of a tailspin. Life as I knew it was about to change. My mother went through a series of tests and treatments for 14 years. I remember feeling a bit jipped, that my Mom couldn’t “be there” for me. I didn’t understand, at the time, her struggle to fight this disease. I began to resent her. (I know wrong, but it’s true.) As a teenager, and a selfish one at that, I thought, why can’t she be like my friend’s mom, always cheerful and engaged? Fortunately, as I became an adult I became less selfish and we grew closer. I’m so thankful for that because we had five great years together before she passed away.
You see when I was 23 years old, I met someone. I gave my heart to Jesus and He moved into my heart and into my life. In the gospel of Matthew, there is a beautiful promise when Jesus comes into your heart and life. It’s found in chapter 1:23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” A stunning realization has come to me, this Immanuel came to stay. “God with me” came and would never leave me. You have to understand how life changing this was for me. I would never be alone again, no matter what I faced in life. This became foundational to me, so whatever decisions I’ve made or reactions I’ve had to life’s challenges, deep down inside I knew that Immanuel was with me.
In 1990, I gave birth to a 1 pound, 10 ounce baby girl. She was born at 24 weeks gestation. I quickly focused on that deep truth, Immanuel, and knew if God was for me, what or who could be against me? The people around us wondered, “ how can you be so peaceful?” “Aren’t you afraid?” I’ll admit even though there were feelings of fear at times, the deeper truth won out. God was with us through this trial! This little baby girl is now 26 years old and an accomplished teacher, going after her second Masters degree.
Fast forward to the last couple of weeks. Crazy things happening!! Hurricanes, fires, earthquakes! It’s been wild to say the least! I’ve been praying so much for Houston, Florida, my friends in Haiti, all of us out here on the west coast. I know God is taking care of us all. We can be peaceful in such times knowing Immanuel, God with us is here. We can share with people who are concerned, afraid in these times, to invite Jesus, Immanuel, into their lives.
I encourage you reader, that during stormy personal times, it can feel like a hurricane, I know, but trust in God. Invite Him into your heart. He’ll never leave you nor forsake you! He’s the only Rock you can hold onto, so do it! He’s so in love with you that He gave Himself for you. Never to leave you! He’ll guide you through good times and hard times and give you strength.
It’s now been 37 years since I’ve invited Immanuel into my life and I’m still standing. By His strength and by His grace, I’m still standing! He is faithful! What He’s done for me, He’ll do for you!