I was born and raised in the faith. From my earliest memories, the name of Jesus was spoken over my life, and His Word was the anchor of my home. Yet even with that foundation, life brought seasons I was not prepared for.
Losing a loved one left a quiet ache that neither words capture nor time heal. I did not stop believing, but something in me dimmed. The joy and energy I once carried seemed to fade away. I found myself detached, going through the motions, without the will to truly thrive. Life felt dull, heavy, and without direction.
But even in that valley, the Lord did not abandon me. When I felt unable to move forward, he held my hand and carried me. In the silence, He was still speaking. In the ache, He was still healing. In my weakness, His strength became evident. He was the light that pierced through the fog I was walking in.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.
— Isaiah 9:2
Step by step, He restored me. He renewed my soul, gave me the strength to trust Him again, and showed me that His goodness is not proven by a trouble-free life but by His unshakable presence in the midst of trouble.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
— Psalm 34:18
In His perfect timing, God brought Arthy into my life. She is more than I could have ever prayed for. She is a gift, a promise of hope, and a reflection of His kindness to me. Through her, I see how God redeems seasons of loss and turns mourning into joy. In her, I witness God’s faithfulness to do more than one could imagin, believe or deserve.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights.
— James 1:17
This story is not about my strength, but about His. Jesus took my ashes and turned it into joy. He turned heaviness into praise, darkness into light, despair into hope, and loneliness into companionship.
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
— Ephesians 3:20–21
All glory belongs to Him and only Him.