There is no denying that our world is experiencing a season of pain. Every new tragedy, acts of terrorism, & lack of love for one another sit heavy in our hearts. When bad things happen I find myself asking God straight out the questions I am sure everyone else is thinking.
How could you let this happen? Do you enjoy our suffering?
Although not directly affected by current events, I wanted to share a testimony to give hope to those who are seeking & to let you know that God hears your prayers & restoration is on its way.
“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” –Isaiah 40:31
Living In Luxury
My parents have always been the most hardworking people I’ve ever known. Besides being a perfect match, they are a dynamic duo who conquer all obstacles with Christ at their core. When I was born, my parent’s dream to go into the childcare business became a reality, and my father left Wallstreet to work beside my mother together owning one of the most reputable daycare centers in Queens.
As the business grew, the cash flow flooded in. God had blessed our home with more than what we needed. Money wasn’t an issue & our lifestyle showed it. My father enjoyed buying houses, cars, & boats while myself, mom, & sister Tiffany swiped plastic on 5th avenue usually with Godiva chocolates in hand. When I think back at it now for a young kid, my bag collection was poppin’ compared to the present.
Now, let me say this before continuing on. My parents are lovely people and knowing God in the season of wealth kept their hearts genuine. With all the money we once had we would often help those in need, my father is a generous man especially when it comes to family & friends. He is an excellent example of how to give and always says things like “When God blesses you, you must share the blessing.”
What Goes Up Must Come Down
In 2007 you’d say we were reaching our financial peak, the daycare continued to bring home the bacon & our second “big” house was near completion. Dad had started his next project working in real estate building houses to sell. It seemed that we were unstoppable until, if you remember 2007, it was also the year of the most significant economic downfall to hit the U.S. Long story short, we lost EVERYTHING. The expensive luxuries, our business & my shoe collection all gone faster than lightning. With no money in the bank, our extended family quickly turned their backs making us financial lepers. No one wanted to help us or even say words of grace. In three months we had relocated three times to try to find a foothold not to end up on the street.
That year depression changed my once ambitious father into a man without hope, Tiff & I had started working to help towards the household, as the oldest daughter I stepped up and became my mother’s emotional support. It was also the year at the age of 16 that I decided to stop believing in God. Filled with anger, I couldn’t understand why he allowed such turmoil on my family. We are GOOD people! (Not cool God, not cool.)
Never Forgotten
“see how our father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!”-1 John3:1
Saving Grace
“Should we only accept good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?”-Job 2:10
“You will be secure because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.”You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor.”-Job 11:18-19
With this, in whatever life might be throwing at you right now problems may seem great, but our God is GREATER.
Don’t lose hope, keep the faith, & have peace.
Crys xo;
