“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
2025 is finally here. The Sun has risen, another day has begun, we are still here, and we can embark on that journey of endless possibilities. A toast to you all for a beautiful, peaceful, healthy, and prosperous year.
2024 was bittersweet. It was a year of temptations and personal growth. It was a year of revelations, acceptance, surrender, and letting go. I was given a rare opportunity to peek into the hearts of wicked men and witness the effects of greed and twisted ego. Now I know I must remain true to myself. Acceptance is liberating.
Just as I was closing down a few doors, others opened up for me. I was blessed with opportunities, and in turn, I blessed others in need. I am grateful for good health, my children who keep me grounded, my big brother who is helping me cultivate the art of patience, and my Mother, who seems to have made it her mission to make me laugh on a daily basis. And then, there are my jewels of good friends. Kindness is rewarded.
As I continue to mourn the loss of many, I give thanks to God for the precious gift of their lives, the beautiful memories we shared, and the hope of reuniting with them again in eternity. While it is impossible to move on, or get over the passing of a loved one, we can learn to cope and live with it as we move forward. May the peace of God surround you as you navigate this challenging time of loss. Today, I can attest that God’s love and grace is unchanging and unfailing, even in grief. God is good all the time; believe He is with you (Lamentations 3:32).
I learned and grew tremendously this past year, and after completely de-cluttering my mind and surrendering to God, He is slowly showing me His path for my life. I am at peace, happy, healthy, and resolute. I remain in a state of gratitude, and I am ready to take on 2025.
Every day is a new beginning, a chance to start again by turning over a new leaf. We should all aspire to move onto bigger and better things or smaller and meaningful things.
May this year be one of healing, restoration, peace, endless possibilities, and abundant blessings.
“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.” ― J.P. Morgan
By JM Perez
