Happy New Year, as this is the first time we are communicating since 2010 has begun. I normally don’t have the courage to stand up in front of the church when people give their testimonials of how good God is and has been in their lives, prayerfully one day I will so allow me to share my testimony with you.
2009 was one heck of a year. I turned 26. I officially left Penn State and my apartment in Carlisle. I went to Brasil for a month and experienced another culture. I spent most of the year unemployed, freelance writing as a way to survive, it’s a recession! I felt lead to re-apply as a transfer to a few law schools however by the time I made this choice my options were limited and I really just put my faith in God and went with it.
Throughout, some of these times that seemed troubled, I found enormous amounts of support from my friends and family. My line brother opened up his home to me when I left Carlisle, when I got to NY my best friend opened her home to me, as well as other friends and brothers who believed in my success despite my hard times. All cribs had food, heat (sometimes) and internet access, something I desperately need.
When I started applying for schools, I had saved a little money and what I did not have, people contributed for me. I found a church home, and I got back into the swing of attending service regularly. I re-connected with my father, I went upstate and visited him, while also re-connecting with his family in Florida and South Carolina. Hopefully we can mend the years we have missed as a family.
I got a job with Oasis Community Corp that started off as an internship and has turned into an enormous learning opportunity. In the midst of this, I received several rejection letters for school. But I believe that God does not close one door without opening another. He made sure I was gainfully employed when I received the bad news. He gave me the courage to venture out and start building my own company and more courage so that I could devise a plan to finish the education I started in 2007. For God’s good grace in my life I am eternally grateful.
My father had a car accident, but he was not harmed or injured at all. To God goes the glory. My younger brother was accepted into St. John’s University and St. Rose College. To God goes the glory. My sister is well, healthy and working in her chosen field as an RN. To God goes the Glory. My baby brother is using his eccentric personality and pursuing acting in the school play, possibly a career. To God goes the Glory. My mother still has her sight, and continues to be the anchor in our family. To God goes the Glory.
Disaster struck in Haiti and I was able to give what little I could to the benefit of our people. To God goes the glory. I recently joined an intensive mentorship, rites of passage program in Harlem that has a strong spiritual base and looks to educate our young people and make sure that they are equipped to deal with this world we are living in. I know that I will gain so much more from this program than I will be able to give. To God goes the Glory. I sent out an email asking for support for my younger brother and within 24 hours we had received $200 in donations. To God goes the glory.
I can honestly say if not for God, I would be curled up in a ball somewhere wondering where I went wrong and how I can get right but lacking the courage to do so. Instead I stand tall as a testament to his will and grace hoping to only be strengthened in my walk and talks with God. I pray that you recognize your triumphs despite your troubled times too. To God goes the Glory. Peace and Grace be unto you.
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