Through His Valleys

A few months ago, I shared a photo of my yearbook picture that was going around on Facebook with a friend. It was a middle school photo that seems to come up every year or so. We agreed I looked great and laughed a little about it and moved on. But after the call ended with her, I cried about 2 hours.

It was weird because this picture circulates Facebook often. I usually look and keep going. But this year it hit me hard. This was the second childhood photo in the last few months that spoke to me. As I cried , I just felt so overwhelmed with gratitude and amazed at God’s faithfulness.

Looking back at the photo, I look so well put together and so happy. I looked carefree and unstained by the world. But the reality of all the things we faced during that time and how present God was consumed me.

This picture showed a cute little girl with a contagious smile but not the times we battled homelessness or had to stay in shelters. The “I don’t look like what I been through” statement confronted me. This was the first school I was able to stay at because of being in an academic program that allowed me to live anywhere in the city.

As I cried, I tried to remember if I told any of my friends or even if my teachers knew. I couldn’t think of anyone . It reminded me that during that time it was just my mom, my siblings and God. I felt so overwhelmed with all the ways God made. Some people may say but you were homeless, but that picture truly depicted how happy I was.

When I look back over my childhood, I don’t have any bad feelings about it. My mom was great and sacrificed everything for us. It made me who I am and showed me WHOSE I am. I met God in those moments. I still remember my mom teaching us The Lord’s Prayer in 4th grade in a shelter. It changed me and changed my posture. It prepared me for the trials and tribulations in life.

I referenced my childhood to remind you of God’s faithfulness even when everything around you seems to be falling apart. This is your reminder to reset and go to him in prayer. The first picture I mentioned earlier, was me in a ball pit. I have it on my lock screen and for me the balls symbolize all the things going on around me knowingly and unknowingly and my smile is God’s protection. Both pictures show how unfazed I was by the odds.

Now when I read Philippians 4:12:13, I get it. Some people go right to what Paul said in verse 13 but Verse 12 says, I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Then verse 13 says I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

It still amazes me to this day how God favored me during that time. I stopped writing this a few times but today sitting at my desk listening to a sermon, God reminded me to start back writing.

So I want to encourage you to remember all the ways he made for you. To the person in the ball pit, God’s protection is there and even when you don’t see it, he’s working.

Prayer

God thank you for your protection in the wilderness. God help us to remember when things are hard you are near and send us comfort and community during these times. Help us to remember that the weapon may be formed but it won’t prosper. God thank you for endurance during the trial. Renew our minds and help us draw closer to you even when can’t see. Give us peace in chaos and joy that makes no sense! We love you and it’s in your son Jesus name that we pray, amen!