In the year 2015, my family underwent many obstacles and issues. With aging parents taking sick, my father being admitted to the hospital four times, sick at home many other times, and passing away in October, and then, my mother taking sick three times and in the hospital once… all the while, I was working full-time and carrying two part-time jobs to meet expenses. Oh and on top of that, I started down the UMC candidacy path towards ordained elder with all that involves. I must say, life in 2015 was extremely difficult.

My heart was broken with Dad’s passing, but the sorrow I felt sent me straight to our Lord. Seldom have I felt God’s presence as close as I have this past year. It was as if King David in Psalm 103 was telling me to look to our Lord and recall all God’s awesome benefits. Even in the valley, God was there.

This Lenten season, as I reflect on Christ’s grace, mercy, and compassion, I am humbled by the love He has shown me during what has been one of the roughest times of my life. I recall the numerous people who offered prayer for our family, the kind nurses who prayed in the emergency room, the doctors who held my hand, the many sympathy cards sent, the grace given by the mentors in my UMC candidacy group, and the love given by my pastor and home church. I do know it was Christ’s love shining through them all.

This year, I am more grateful than ever before… for because Christ lives, death has been conquered and we have the victory! Alleluia!