2019 | RESTORATION | Word of the Year
"Trust in the Lord with all Your heart, lean not in your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct Your paths." - [Proverbs 3:5-6]
So I may have been laughing hard because I freaked out once I looked down. OR I was overjoyed that I got to crush climbing Lion’s Head Mountain with my sisters in Cape Town, South Africa! Maybe a little bit of both! As my mom bugged out when she saw this picture, I looked back at her the way this DECADE looked at me and said, ‘but did I die though?!’ 🤣
This is how I pretty much tackled this year. At the top of 2019, I opened up about God’s grace meeting me in my grief. I publicly shared for the first time about my divorce. For those that have known me long enough, you know that was huge. When it comes to matters and details of my heart, I’m very private and am always seeking to let wisdom have her way. But I believed it was time and the purpose was far beyond my discomfort in vulnerability. I exposed my scars as I walked through having known God to be my Healer from Leukemia yet struggled to reconcile Him letting my marriage die a few years ago [YOU CAN READ IT HERE].
It was a major risk and rather uncomfortable, but necessary. After all, my marriage was pretty public and I couldn’t carefully calculate all the different possible outcomes. I couldn’t anticipate all the ways in which it could be taken out of context or used against me. So for a measured, organized, color coordinated, spreadsheet having, type A personality like myself… well… that could’ve easily sent me into an emergency internal system shut down. Faith challenged that part of me in so many areas of my life this year. And I’ve been up for the challenge! A lot of trusting the Lord and not leaning on my own understanding! James 2:14-26 challenged my works falling short of my faith talk in trusting God. And instead of using wisdom to paralyze me from making decisions, it propelled me to trust the leading of His word. And as scary as that was to share, I was so blessed by the many lives that were encouraged by my journey AND I got to experience redemption in so many other ways. I got to experience restoration HIS WAY! And as a result, I was released into one of the best years of my life to date!
Here is a recap of this year of RESTORATION!
JANUARY - Family Reunion in Dominican Republic
Zinai was able to travel to Dominican Republic to meet her “Bisabuela” and finally meet most of her family on that side. And beautifully timed, we got to spend time with “Tio Maximo” (my mother’s younger brother) who later transitioned from earth to eternity in October. Family is everything to me, so this was super special.
FEBRUARY - Anniversary of my Job
This was significant because I absolutely love the work I get to do on a day to day basis. I got to celebrate my first year of the answered prayer. This job affords me the opportunity to serve as a Support Coordinator for Adults that experience Developmental Disabilities.
MARCH - Moved into my own place
This was a huge step in my journey as a single woman and mom. It was a major stepping out on faith emotionally and spiritually. I pretty much wept when I got my keys. It meant so much more than just “a place.”
APRIL - Legoland & Crayola Experience with Zinai
I was able to take Zinai to two places that would expand her creativity and expose her to other experiences while having fun. This was significant because it was the first time her and I took a road trip on our own together that she could remember. And as a creative and artist, this made my colorful heart super happy! LOL.
MAY - Mother’s Day Celebration
Every year I get to celebrate my mother’s life and be a mother to Zinai, is a year and a time I treasure. Mom was sent home to die while I was pregnant with Zinai back in 2012 and God granted mom the opportunity to not just meet her first grandchild, but be an amazing grandmother to her. This year we took a mini photo shoot together!
JUNE - Outdoor Camping Trip & Kayaking
We got to experience our very first outdoor camping trip (not particularly my preference but ZInai & my brother Danny teamed up and convinced me - and I’m glad I did). We got to go Kayaking for the first time as well and I’m glad we got to experience it! And my brother and cousins are super fancy, so it was the highest and techy camping experience ever! LOL.
JULY - Road trip to Massachusetts & Becoming a Titi again & God mommy
Z and I were able to travel to visit close framily (friends that are more like family) and spend beautiful time at the beach for days! We love the beach! And I also became a Titi/Godmommy to the cutest baby boy ever!!! Ari Joel!! (I’m biased of course! But he’s Super yummy!)
AUGUST - Road trip to Canada & Zinai’s first hiking experience
I’ve always wanted to go to Canada since I was younger and it just never happened. This was easily one of our BEST road trips and we got to hike the Niagara Glenn by the Niagara Falls together! It was Zinai first hike! What an experience!
SEPTEMBER - Road trip to South Carolina & divine connections
I was able to travel to South Carolina with my best friend and on our way back, we slid into a “dating” podcast (LOL - it’s actually VERY GOOD!) that led me to connecting with easily one of the greatest blessings of this year. Coach Jo! He has been nothing short of a God-sent, divine connection, mentor and new friend!! :)
OCTOBER - Traveled to South Africa, Lion’s Head Mountain, Helicopter, Paris & Encountered Sisterhood
In 2018, I got to fulfill my first life long dream of going to Israel! This year I got to go to the other, very close first; South Africa! There I met amazing women who are like sisters now. This was huge for me, because friendships were challenging for me for years and I always felt incapable of sustaining any. Well, with these ladies, I got to climb Lion’s Head Mountain, fly in a helicopter and got to share a word with Hillsong’s youth group in Guguletu among so many other amazing experiences! What a blessing! Then for the icing on the cake, on my way back, I got to hang out in Paris for 2 days on my own!! Another dream come true!
NOVEMBER - Celebrating Year 7 of Zinai
Anytime we get to celebrate Z’s life, is a time I don’t take for granted. She is my little miracle that brought light during a time I didn’t think possible. I’m grateful for her life each and every opportunity we get! And this year she turned 7! I still can’t believe it!! And interestingly enough, connected with some more amazing people & new friendships!
DECEMBER - Delaware, DC, Accountability Group & Miracle Meet Up
I was able to spend time with my new sister-friend in Delaware, connect with amazing women in DC (and some who would later travel out of state to come support me). i was able to join forces with another sister friend to begin an accountability group - Chayah! And last but certainly not least, hosting the very first “Miracle Meet Up” where people gathered to hear panelists share their amazing stories of how they experienced the miraculous in their lives and I got to watch lives being touched and transformed by their journey and prayer activity! The move of God and the support from my family & friends literally had me in tears! It was unmatched! This year couldn’t have ended any better!
GRATEFUL
2019 owes me absolutely nothing. God has been gracious and faithful. When I started this year off declaring RESTORATION and leading with the scripture, Joel 2:25 -26:
“So I will restore to you the years that the swarming [a]locust has eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, And praise the name of the Lord your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; And My people shall never be put to shame.”
I couldn’t have imagined HOW He’d do it. My heart is full and I am grateful! I pray this encourages SOMEONE. ANYONE. The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart [Hebrews 4:12]. So make sure to speak life and allow His word to order your steps!
Here’s to 2020 - My word of the year is COMMITMENT! What is YOUR word or goals? Share away!
