The new year is almost upon us. This time of year signifies the end of the old and the start of the new. It is ripe with traditions, celebrations and resolutions. All to mark the coming of the new calendar year and the fresh start that comes with it.
This past year has been different. Different than any previous year in our lifetime. A lot of us are glad to see this year end for many of the same reasons. But I have mixed emotions about 2020. This year has had its highs and its lows. I've experienced losses and achievements. But overall I feel blessed and I'd like to testify about what I remember most about 2020.
This year my family has taken some pretty significant losses. My aunt Raydell left us, just when we thought her health was making a turn for better. Her sass, her laugh and the energy she brought into a room will forever be missed. Her death left my mom feeling alone as the last person of her immediate family.
Not long after that, her daughter, my cousin Gina passed away. Her death brought the reality of my own death as inevitable. I realized that I am at an age where the death of those close to me was going to be more common. There were other losses my friend/ brother Don Allen, my Aunt Hazel and family members of friends. 2020 made death even more grim and personal. Which is something that I didn't even realize was possible.
But 2020 has also brought me some great personal achievements. I received my license as a Minister. I was ordained as a teacher of ministry. I released and self published, Stumbling Blocks. Which is a book that I am very proud of. I was part of a book collaboration with other African-American female authors (Sisterhood of the Traveling Prayers). And I just completed my next book, which will be on it's way to the editor very soon. All while working full time. I've been extremely blessed and I owe it all to God.
2020 has also brought us all trials and tribulations. Especially with the worldwide pandemic that we are all dealing with. The Corona virus has changed the world right before our eyes. Social distancing, wearing masks, sanitation, disinfection are a part of our everyday life. Hundreds of thousands of people have died and way more have been infected. And it doesn't look like it is going anywhere anytime soon.
There is so much in the world that we cannot control, that is why we have to keep our focus on God. We have to remember that He is in control. When we do that we can continue to be blessed through any storm. My greatest blessing of 2020 is that throughout all of this my family has remained covid free. God is good, God is faithful, God is a keeper, God is amazing.
I can't imagine what this year would've been like without Him. 2020 wasn't all bad. I've had some terrible loses but I've also had some great accomplishments. One thing for sure is that God was with me the entire time. I encourage you to make God a priority in your life. Keep your focus on Him and know that everything else will be alright.
With all that being said I am looking forward to 2021, not because 2020 was one for the record books but because I cannot wait to see what God is going to do next. Have your way Lord...
Matthew 5:16 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Psalm 34:8 8O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
Jeremiah 29:1111For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
2 Corinthians 5:1717Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Isaiah 43:18-19 18 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
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